McKenzie dismisses Ireland link as “a function of timing”

Queensland Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie insists there’s nothing sinister about his decision to leave Brisbane, confirming he has no job offers on the table at the moment — including Ireland.

McKenzie fronted a media conference in Brisbane yesterday to clear up speculation he had a direct path to the Wallabies job or was ready to make a move to Dublin.

McKenzie was adamant his decision would put no further pressure on Robbie Deans ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour, and said that the timing was purely aimed at giving the Reds the best chance of succeeding on the field in 2013.