Castle: Cheika safe until World Cup

Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle has reiterated the fact that under-siege Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is safe from the axe until the end of next year's Rugby World Cup despite admitting “universal frustration” at the team’s run of results.

The Wallabies suffered their first defeat in 10-years against Wales this past weekend and Cheika has faced a mounting backlash at home from dismayed fans and media with just three wins from 11 Tests this season.

There has been growing speculation that defeat this weekend to Italy — a side they have not lost to in 17 matches — could be the final straw.

But Castle said Cheika was contracted through to the World Cup in Japan next year and retains Rugby Australia’s backing.

“At the end of the day, Michael’s contract is through to the end of the World Cup,” she told Australian media from Europe.

“We’ve said that publicly and we continue to support that stance.”

“There is a review at the end of every year.

“There’s no doubt that that’s become even more important because of our performances.

“But the review will identify the areas we need to focus on as we move towards that very important World Cup next year.”

Castle admitted the results were not good, but said it was a close call against Wales and it could have gone either way.

“Universal frustration. You know the effort’s there, you know the focus is there. It was a tremendous arm-wrestle that could have gone either way,” she said.

“It certainly wasn’t a game we were far away from.

“We could have ended up with the win.

“I know no one is more frustrated than the players themselves and they’ll be looking to turn that around this weekend.”

Story via: foxsports.com.au