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Wallabies coach to stand down | 00:35
Michael Cheika has reportedly expressed interest in taking over as Wallabies head coach after meeting with Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh in Sydney on Tuesday.
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Earlier this month, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt confirmed he would step down from the role in October, leaving RA to search for a fifth head coach in six years. The new Australian mentor’s first assignment will be a spring tour contest against Eddie Jones’ Japan in Tokyo on October 25.
Les Kiss, Dan McKellar and Stephen Larkham loom as the leading candidates to take over the role, along with Ronan O’Gara, but Cheika remains in contention for a return to the role.
As first reported by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Roar, Cheika sat down with Waugh in a North Sydney restaurant on Tuesday to discuss the vacant position.
The 57-year-old, who coached the Wallabies in 68 Tests between 2014 and 2019, is currently the head coach of Leicester Tigers in England’s Premiership Rugby. However, the Australian recently announced he would not extend his one-year contract with the club.
Cheika, who finished with a 50 per cent win rate as Wallabies coach, led Australia to the 2015 World Cup final and was later named the World Rugby coach of the year. He also mentored Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, with the Pumas qualifying for the semi-finals under his guidance.
“We have worked extensively to identify a targeted shortlist of candidates whom we believe are best placed to continue the strong progress made under the coaching of Joe Schmidt,” Waugh said in a statement.
“We have also received a high level of inbound interest from quality candidates from around the world, reflecting the positive trajectory of the Wallabies.
“We have worked extensively to identify a targeted shortlist of candidates whom we believe are best placed to continue the strong progress made under the coaching of Joe Schmidt.
“We have also received a high level of inbound interest from quality candidates from around the world, reflecting the positive trajectory of the Wallabies.”
RA are hoping to announce the next Wallabies coach within the coming weeks.
