Michael Cheika will not seek re-appointment as Wallabies coach following his side’s heavy defeat to England in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

In the immediate aftermath of the loss to England, Cheika reacted angrily to a question about his future, but on Sunday he confirmed that the 40-16 defeat on Saturday would be his last game in charge of the Wallabies.

He added that he had ‘no relationship’ with Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and ‘not much’ with chairman Cameron Clyne.

It brings an end to a tumultuous five-year tenure under Cheika, who resolutely refused to alter the team’s way of playing to a more pragmatic approach.

Cheika’s term in charge was marked by a successful 2015 World Cup campaign in which Australia reached the final and a disappointing display at the global tournament in Japan, the respective outcomes marking a gradual decline in the team’s overall performances.

The 52-year-old had always said he would stand down if the Wallabies didn’t win the tournament. He has been linked with a coaching role at French club Montpellier.

Rugby Australia director of rugby, Scott Johnson, has already been scoping possible candidates for 2020. New Zealander Dave Rennie has emerged as a clear favourite because of his success with the Chiefs in Super Rugby and further experience with Scottish club Glasgow Warriors.

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