Cheika’s NRL ambitions over as unlikely return confirmed
Michael Cheika is officially back in Australian rugby.
After nine.com.au revealed earlier this month that Cheika was Rugby Australia’s intended target as Dan McKellar’s replacement as Waratahs coach, the 2015 World Rugby coach of the year will lead the Super Rugby franchise in 2027.
Michael Cheika and Bernard Foley at the Waratahs in 2015. Getty Images
The 59-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Waratahs – a deal that has the option of a second year in charge.
It’s understood Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh was the mastermind in ensuring Cheika returned as Waratahs coach.
The respected coach will see out his one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters and is also expected to still coach Lebanon at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Cheika is the Waratahs’ sole championship-winning coach, having taken them to a historic final in 2014 – a 33-32 win over the Crusaders at Sydney’s Olympic Park – in his second year in charge.
He then led the Waratahs to the Super Rugby semi-finals in 2015, before leaving the franchise and taking the Wallabies to the World Cup final later that year.
The Waratahs have only returned to the Super Rugby semi-finals once (2018) since Cheika left in 2015 and have missed the finals in the past three years.
Having finished as Wallabies coach following the nation’s World Cup quarter-final exit in 2019, Cheika then took Argentina to the semi-finals in France in 2023.
He then completed another rebuilding mission at Leicester Tigers in England, having taken over from McKellar in mid-2024 and led the Premiership heavyweights to the final in his one – and only – season in charge.
Cheika, who is currently Trent Robinson’s right-hand man at the Sydney Roosters, said he was hopeful of helping lead the NRL club to a title before turning his attention to his next rebuilding job in what shapes as the biggest year in the game’s history in Australia.
“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,” Cheika said.
“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.
“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.”
Michael Cheika has been on the Roosters’ full-time staff in 2026. Getty
The Waratahs confirmed that Cheika’s coaching team would be announced in “due time”, but it’s believed that Stephen Hoiles will be his right-hand man.
Hoiles, who was a part of the Waratahs’ Super Rugby triumph under Cheika in 2014 and has since started a promising coaching career, is set to fly from Los Angeles and see Rugby Australia and NSW officials on Thursday.
Scrum coach Dan Palmer is likely to stay with the Waratahs, while defence coach Lachie McCaffrey is also contracted for 2027. McCaffrey was recently confirmed as the Waratahs’ coach for the upcoming Super Rugby AUS competition, with recently retired Jack Debreczeni and injured Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon his assistants alongside Palmer.
NSW Waratahs Director of Performance B-J Mather said he was thrilled Cheika was back in Australian rugby.
“Michael is a proven leader with an exceptional record across many years building and preparing teams to compete on rugby’s biggest stages,” he said.
“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.”
