Rugby union 2026: Michael Cheika set to become Waratahs head coach, when will he start, ends NRL coaching speculation, news, reaction
Michael Cheika is set to return to rugby union following reports he’ll be announced as the new coach of the NSW Waratahs this week.
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Chieka, who is currently working on Trent Robinson’s staff at the Roosters, will return to the club he guided to a Super Rugby title back in 2014.
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He was the Wallabies’ head coach between 2014-2019 with his last coaching job in rugby union in the UK with the Leicester Tigers.
Cheika’s move back to the 15-man code ends the speculation linking him to any future vacant NRL coaching gigs.
Wallabies back Taulagi code switch | 00:49
The 59-year-old has been raised as a possible replacement contender whenever an NRL head coaching position has become vacant over the past 12 months.
According to the SMH, Chieka still hopes to fulfil his role with the Roosters until the end of the season and again lead Lebanon in this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
The Waratahs are hoping Cheika’s hire is the boost the club needs amid a Super Rugby finals drought.
Cheika is set to replace Dan McKellar in the role.
The Tahs last made the finals in 2023.
