It is a brutal end to Rennie’s time as Wallabies coach,which began in 2020 and ended with a 38 per cent win record – the worst of any Australian coach in the professional era.

Jones issued a statement on Monday,shortly after news broke of his fresh deal. He said he was optimistic about Australia’s chance of emulating the 1999 Wallabies side who last lifted the Webb Ellis Cup.

“If we can have everyone fit and healthy going into the World Cup this year,I am confident that we can go to France and break the 24-year drought of winning the Rugby World Cup,” Jones said.

Asked if he agreed with Jones,given the short time frame,McLennan said:“Absolutely. We have enough time to get it right.

“The team has made progress but we need to develop a harder edge. There’s no more experienced campaigner out there than Eddie. We had to take advantage of that. He’s ruthless and tough and has that twinkle in his eye.

“The profile of rugby has gone through the roof already and fans,sponsors and players will react accordingly.”

McLennan declined to go into detail about the moment RA chief executive Andy Marinos and board member Phil Waugh told Rennie his services were no longer required.

Wallabies players and staff were told on Monday morning,as well as RA staff.

“It’s always difficult but Dave is a terrific person and we sincerely thank him for his efforts,” McLennan said.

When England sacked Jones,he was free to find work with another team or country.

RA was curious to see whether Jones would be on the open market or whether he would be banned from taking another role in the form of a non-compete clause.

However,RA has ensured that Rennie cannot coach elsewhere. His contract will be paid out but he will be on “gardening leave” for the remainder of the year.

Asked about the RFU’s decision to let Jones explore options elsewhere,McLennan replied:“We wouldn’t allow that to happen[if we were in their position].”

The decision could come back to haunt England,given they might face the Wallabies in a World Cup quarter-final. It would be some story if Jones was pitted in a sudden-death match against the country who sacked him after more than six years in the top job.

The other alternative is an Australian and Argentina quarter-final fixture,where Jones could square off against another former Wallabies coach in Michael Cheika.