Wales' hopes of making Scott Johnson their permanent coach were scuppered today after it was confirmed he has been made part of Australia's backroom team.
As expected, Johnson has linked up with new Wallabies boss John Connolly, signing a three-year deal as attack coach which will see him return Down Under next month.
He has been acting head coach for Wales since the shock departure of Mike Ruddock in February and cut a very popular figure with players, who hoped he would take up the position on a permanent basis.
Johnson insisted he had enjoyed his four-year stint with Wales, which finished with a fifth-place finish in the Six Nations, but was keen to return to his native Australia.
"Rugby throws up plenty of challenges, and while I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wales, my next challenge is in Australia," he said.
"John and (Australian Rugby Union managing director) Gary Flowers have provided me with a great opportunity to return home and work with some of the world's best players. It's an understatement to say I'm looking forward to it, but I will leave Wales with some fond memories and also plenty of experience."
Johnson replaced Ruddock for the final three fixtures of the Six Nations but Wales' form showed little improvement as injury continued to wreck their championship.
He informed the Welsh Rugby Union last night of his decision to return to Australia with pressing family issues the main reason for his departure.
WRU chief executive Steve Lewis said: "Scott never made any secret of the issues that would ultimately determine whether or not he would stay in Wales at the end of his current two-year contract.
"The personal issues he has to resolve have mitigated against him seeking to extend his stay in Wales. On behalf of the WRU, I would like to thank him for the important role he played both as a skills coach under Steve Hansen and Mike Ruddock and as the interim head coach."
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