Wallabies unveil Michael Cheika as coach

Michael Cheika has been announced as the new Wallabies coach this afternoon.

The Australian Rugby Union called a media conference in Sydney this afternoon to unveil the coaching appointment following several days of negotiations.

“Michael comes to the role with a terrific record as head coach,” ARU CEO Bill Pulver said.

“[He] was the standout candidate.”

Mr Pulver said Cheika was the only person he'd spoken to about taking the top job.

He will have to hit the ground running as the Wallabies are scheduled to fly to Europe on Friday for their five-match tour, which includes a game against the Barbarians and Tests against Wales, France, Ireland and England.

"I am going to have to work hard and learn quickly but I am up for the challenge," he said.

Cheika said he was proud to have been appointed to the role.

"I never got to play for the Wallabies so to have the opportunity and responsibility on behalf of Australian rugby supporters is touching for me," he said.

He thanked outgoing coach Ewen McKenzie, reflecting on their shared playing careers in club rugby with Randwick in the 1980s.

Cheika, who guided the NSW Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title this year, replaces McKenzie, who resigned on Saturday following Australia's 29-28 Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand in Brisbane.

Mr Pulver said Cheika will maintain his role for the Waratahs for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

He has less than a year to work with the Wallabies before the World Cup in Britain.

Mr Pulver said Kurtley Beale's availability for the spring tour is "entirely dependent" on the outcome of a tribunal hearing on Friday morning.

The embattled star is under fire after it emerged he had sent offensive text messages about former team business manager, Di Patston.