Wallabies scrum coach Mario Ledesma was unveiled as the Jaguares head coach in Argentina overnight.
Ledesma will finish up with the Wallabies after next week’s Bledisloe Test, linking up with the Argentinian Super Rugby team for 2018.
News of Ledesma’s departure broke after the Wallabies’ 37-20 win over Los Pumas in Mendoza last Sunday (AEDT), with the Argentinian Rugby Union officially announcing his move on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Ledesma has been part of the Wallabies’ setup since 2015, transforming Australia’s scrum in that time.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Australia was returning a gift in releasing Ledesma.
“Argentina gave us a gift when they gave us Mario Ledesma,” he said in a statement.
“In 2014 when we went on the tour, when I first took over, we got our scrum pummelled by the English in one game and if you’re a good person when you get a gift, you should always give one back.
“Now we’re giving a gift back because Mario Ledesma is a good man, he’s a great coach and as much as I’m sad that he’s leaving, personally as his friend and from a rugby point of view.
“Not only is he improving himself by having this position, which is what we want our people to do, but also he’s coming back to his family who he hasn’t seen for many, many years. It’s going to be a great thing for Argentinian rugby and hopefully the Jaguares will do very well except when they play against the Australian teams.”
The former Pumas hooker will join Wallabies camp on the Gold Coast on Sunday, ahead of the third Bledisloe Test in Brisbane.
Australia takes on New Zealand in the third Bledisloe Test on Saturday October 21, 7pm AEST, 8pm AEDT LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Network Ten, Win and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.