Intro:

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive, Bill Pulver react to Ewen McKenzie's shock resignation as coach of Australia's Rugby Union team.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Hooper, Australian Rugby Union captain:

"And it was a blow to hear about Ewen's departure after the match but we respect his decision as an individual. On behalf of the players, he's done a lot for this group, a lot for the players, so we wish him all the best and thank him for his contribution."

SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Hooper, Australian Rugby Union captain:

"Last night's game shows that he didn't lose the respect of the players. you know, he really showed what he's worth in the back end of the week and we played for him. We played for him, we played for, like I said on Friday, we played for everyone in the staff, we played for each other as a group. So, he didn't lose the respect of the players."

SOUNDBITE (English) Bill Pulver, Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive:

"I endorse Michael's comments. I haven't seen any evidence of the fact that the players had lost confidence in Ewen. But in the environment he was in, he was feeling it was just too difficult to come back from where he sat at that point. And, you know, in many ways I think he was an extremely noble person and I think a part of him said, 'well, I think it's the best thing for Australian rugby if I step aside'."

SOUNDBITE (English) Bill Pulver, Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive:

"Ewen McKenzie in my opinion was a great man and a great coach. And I'm disappointed that this outcome is where we finished up. From an Australian rugby perspective, one of the things that has led to improving results is the quality of our elite coaches and he was a very central figure in the enhancement of that coaching environment. And it's a great tragedy that we might be losing him."