Michael Cheika has replaced Ewen McKenzie as Wallabies head coach on a three-year deal.

McKenzie resigned after Australia's 29-28 loss to New Zealand in Brisbane.

Under his new deal with the ARU, Cheika, who coached the Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title this year, will remain in charge of the Tahs for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Waratahs defence coach Nathan Grey is also set to join Cheika's Wallabies coaching team along with existing forwards coach Andrew Blades. Assistant coaches Nick Scrivener and Jim McKay have been told their services are no longer required.

'I never imagined I would be in the position of coaching our national team and feel extremely honoured to have this opportunity,' said Cheika. 'My mission will be to do the best possible job I can and to motivate the people around me to ensure they are able to represent Australia to the best of their ability. I feel the key to any future success will be to ensure we have a strong identity and not letting anything get in the way of our preparation to succeed on the world stage.'

The Wallabies play against the Barbarians, Wales, France, Ireland and England on their November tour.

Photo: William West/AFP Photo