Tuesday 21 October 2014 08:06, UK
Former Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham has turned down the opportunity to work under the new Wallabies coach on the forthcoming tour of Europe.
Larkham instead wants to focus on his role with Super Rugby franchise ACT Brumbies.
While I was honoured to be considered, I felt like taking five weeks out of my first solo preparation for a Super Rugby season wouldn't be fair on the Brumbies, the local community or my family.
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) are expected to name New South Wales Waratahs coach Michael Cheika as the replacement for Ewen McKenzie, who quit suddenly on Saturday.
The squad departs for Europe on Friday but Larkham, who played 102 times for his country, will not be taking to the plane despite being mooted as a potential backs coach under Cheika.
"While I was honoured to be considered, I felt like taking five weeks out of my first solo preparation for a Super Rugby season wouldn't be fair on the Brumbies, the local community or my family," Larkham said.
"I am passionate about the success of Australian rugby, but at this point in time I think I can best serve the Wallabies by remaining focused on the Brumbies, who I hope will make up the backbone of the squad leading into the World Cup.
"Our own programme is about to kick off here in Canberra and it would be difficult for me to deliver the outcomes expected of me if I'm not on the ground from day one."
The Brumbies lost in the semi-finals to the Waratahs last season under the joint guidance of Larkham and veteran Laurie Fisher, who has since departed for Aviva Premiership club Gloucester.
Australia will play the Barbarians and internationals against Wales, France, Ireland and England on the tour.
