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New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie calls for end of public infighting

Incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has called for an end to Australian rugby's warring factions and the public airing of grievances.

Speaking to the media via video conference from his home in Glasgow on Friday, Rennie was disappointed with how discussions -- those conducted at Rugby Australia board level -- had been played out so publicly.

"Things have been a bit messy and that's putting it mildly," Rennie said in a video conference call from his home in Glasgow on Friday.

"An enormous amount of stuff has come out in the press and that's one thing I'd like to stop," the 56-year-old added. "A lot of discussions need to happen behind closed doors."

Rennie replaces former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who ended his four-year tenure after Australia was dispatched from last year's Rugby World Cup by eventual runners-up England in the quarterfinals.

The New Zealander was unveiled as the new coach earlier this year, however, much has changed at Rugby Australia since he accepted the role.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle resigned in April amid intense criticism from a group of former Wallabies and some sections of the media, RA chairman eventually informing her she had lost the confidence of the board. Weeks later, RA director Peter Wiggs stepped down from his role after just 37 days on the board.

While rumours had circulated that Rennie would step away from his new role if Castle was to leave the governing body, the former Chiefs coach stated he had no intentions of leaving his position.

"Raelene is an impressive person, she is tough but has been bullied the last couple of years which is really disappointing," Rennie said following Castle's departure.

"I am disappointed I won't get the chance to work with her but I am committed, I signed a deal and intend to see it through."

The Wallabies has struggled in recent years.

Currently ranked seventh in the world, the Wallabies have failed to win the Bledisloe Cup for the best part of two decades while they last lifted the Rugby Championship in 2015.

Off the field, the code made headlines when try-scoring gun Israel Folau had his contract torn up for controversial social media posts. Following a drawn out legal battle, RA and Folau reached a multi-million-dollar settlement.

Despite the turmoil, Rennie insisted there was still plenty to be happy about in Australian rugby.

"There are lots of good things happening in Australian rugby," he said.

"The Super Rugby coaches have given us a lot of access to the players and we've done a lot of work with those guys.

"Personally I'm in a better place than I would have been if we (Glasgow) had been playing PRO14, so if there are any positives from the pause to the season it would be that.

"We are ranked seventh in the world and need to be better than that.

"A lot of experienced players have gone post World Cup and now we must identify some guys who will be Wallabies for years to come."