ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has reportedly knocked back an approach to join Michael Cheika's Wallabies set up to concentrate on winning a Super Rugby title in Canberra.
Cheika is expected to be announced as Wallabies coach today.
He had hoped to recruit Larkham as the attack coach in a formidable coaching team, which was also to include Western Force mentor Michael Foley.
However, it's understood Foley's involvement is still uncertain as he weighs up whether he can travel with the team on a five-game tour of Europe.
The Wallabies squad for the spring tour will be announced today. However, the coaching set up remains unclear following Ewen McKenzie's shock resignation on Saturday night.
Cheika said it was ''humbling'' to be asked to be the Wallabies new coach and has accepted a three-year deal.
The Wallabies will leave for Europe on Friday and play their first game against the Barbarians before taking on Wales, France, Ireland and England.
Larkham said last week his No.1 priority was the Brumbies.
''I would be open to helping [if I was asked], but my focus is purely on Brumbies rugby. Anything that distracts me or detracts from that role or the program, I would be dead against it,'' Larkham said.
''I'm passionate about Australian rugby and I want the Wallabies to do well, but I also want the Brumbies to do exceptionally well. I want to make sure I'm doing the best job for the Brumbies first.
''I'd certainly like to help the Wallabies, but that's not my role at the moment."
- Sydney Morning Herald
