O’Neill to step aside in two years

AUSTRALIAN Rugby Union boss John O’Neill will step aside when his current contract expires in two years’ time.

O’Neill, who is in his second term at the helm of the ARU after a stint with Football Federation Australia, says his replacement has already been decided as part of a succession plan.

However, he says no decisions have been made around who will coach the Wallabies when Robbie Deans comes off contract after the British and Irish Lions tour at the end of 2013. “That won’t be my call,” O’Neill said when asked if Reds coach Ewen McKenzie is next in line to replace Deans.

“My contract is up at the end of 2013 and it will not be a decision that will involve me. If I’d left as originally intended, 30 June next year, I would not have involved myself in Robbie’s extension — that was in agreement with the board.

“The board that is in situ for 2013 will be making those calls and I’ll be preparing to ride off, probably much to the relief of some people, into the sunset and it would be inappropriate for me to be involved in that.”