News
McKenzie keeping options open
May 19 2008
Reports from the Waratahs say that Head Coach Ewen McKenzie has yet to sign with Stade Français and is prepared to discuss staying on with the side he has taken to the Super 14 semi-finals.
It is public knowledge that the New South Wales Rugby Union are having problems finding a replacement for McKenzie, the man who has taken the Waratahs to the Super 14 semi-finals three times in the last four years.
Nothing could compound the NSWRU's madness in sacking than to refuse to re-open negotiations purely to save face.
McKenzie has initiated none of this, but when approached on Sunday, he responded honestly.
"I know everyone thinks I'm heading to Paris but I'm keeping my options open," McKenzie told The Australian.
"One of the negative things about Europe is the impact it would have on my family. My children are aged 10, 12 and 14. Rushing off to Europe, while it's got lots of appeal, creates problems that I'm not entirely comfortable with. That's why I haven't made a decision.
"Having said that, I've still got bills to pay."
So would McKenzie be prepared to stay on?
"That's an interesting question," he replied. "Obviously there has been a fair bit of water go under the bridge. It's been a difficult time for a lot of reasons.
"There have already been significant changes made so it wouldn't be a case of continuing what I've done but rather of starting again - and that's a different exercise. But I know I can do that. I've done it already in the past.
"So, in the spirit of never saying never, yes, I'd be prepared to sit down with them and have a discussion."
That should be the cue for NSWRU officials to swallow their pride, acknowledge that they pulled the trigger prematurely and start afresh with McKenzie. Instead, NSWRU Chief Executive Jim L'Estrange is quietly but firmly closing the door.
"I don't think so," L'Estrange said, when asked about the possibility of NSW backtracking on their resolution to part company with McKenzie.
"We made a conscious but hard decision and we'll keep moving. I hope Ewen does sign with Stade Français and I hope he gets a great contract with them. He deserve it."