Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie has sought to play down links with the soon to be available Australia head coach’s job, but admitted that it was not something that could be completely discounted.

A report in the respected Sydney Morning Herald claimed this week that the New Zealander, who has a formidable reputation Down Under having led the Chiefs to two Super Rugby titles, could be targeted by Scott Johnson - who has quit his job as director of rugby at Murrayfield to take up a similar role at Rugby Australia - as a potential replacement for Michael Cheika when he leaves his post after the World Cup, with Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor, a native Australian, also being lined up to join their coaching team. In stating that their had been no approach, Rennie noted that he recently signed a new deal to stay in Glasgow to the end of next season, even though he knew several international posts were set to become vacant.

“It’s just a bit of speculation I’d say, as often happens when there’s a potential job up for grabs, they look at the options,” said Rennie. “I certainly haven’t spoken to anyone, but my contract takes me through ‘til the middle of 2020. I’d imagine from an international point of view most of these jobs are going to be gobbled up straight after a World Cup. I knew that was probably going to be the case when I signed on for another season.”

Johnson was, however, involved at Murrayfield when Vern Cotter’s very strange appointment was made six years ago, the SRU announcing his appointment before admitting that he would be unable to take up the role for another year due to contractual commitments in France.

Without reneging on his current deal Rennie would be available for the Wallabies next major competition, the 2020 Rugby Championship and when pressed he would not rule out the possibility of taking the job, .

“You never say never do you, but what I’ve said is I’m assuming that like a lot of teams they’ll probably make changes in coaches immediately after the World Cup,” he said. “That’s November 2019. I’m committed here ‘til July 2020, so that’s what I’m saying, it’s unlikely.”