Michael Cheika will return to rugby union in 2027 after being named as the new NSW Waratahs head coach.
The cross-code coach joins the Tahs after a stint as an assistant coach for NRL side Sydney Roosters, and returns to the 15-man game for the first time since his spell at Leicester Tigers. During his tenure at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, he took the Tigers to the 2024/25 PREM Rugby final.
Cheika is no stranger to the Sydney-based side, either, having served as Tahs boss between 201-2015, leading the side to the 2014 Super Rugby title. He also steered Leinster to the Celtic League title in 2008 and the Heineken Cup in 2009, before taking Stade Français to the Challenge Cup final in 2011.
He has also coached Argentina and Australia at Test level, leading the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby Championship title and the Rugby World Cup final the same year and was named World Rugby Coach.
His return to the Waratahs comes after Dan McKellar left his post back in June.
Michael Cheika returns to rugby union as NSW Waratahs appointment confirmed
Commenting on joining the Waratahs, Cheika said: “The NSW Waratahs have always occupied a special place for me – it’s my home state and I feel ready to return as their Head Coach ahead of an important year for the Waratahs and also for Australian Rugby in the lead-up to the home Rugby World Cup.
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“Being involved in the NSW squad that lifted the Super Rugby trophy in 2014 is something I will never forget, especially the passion and energy of our supporters. This is a new time, a different time and I am looking forward to being able to enjoy those same kinds of feelings and more with players, their families and all the fans in this new adventure.
“I really would like to share all the experiences I have been lucky enough to gain since I was last here and make this a great place to play footy.
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“Before all of that, I want to give my all to my rugby league club, the Sydney Roosters, to help achieve our goal for this season, to pay them back for the trust and belief they have always shown in me.”
Waratahs director of performance, B-J Mather, added: “Michael is a proven leader with an exceptional record across many years building and preparing teams to compete on rugby’s biggest stages.
“His coaching achievements speak for themselves but equally important is his sincere passion for our club and what it represents.
“We believe Michael is the right person to now lead the next chapter for the Waratahs and we are delighted to welcome him home.”
Cheika has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal, but does have an option to extend into 2028.
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