'Often other people don't like you': Michael Cheika explains surprise coaching challenge
Updated . First published at
Michael Cheika admits living in England wasn't on his radar when the Leicester Tigers came calling.
The well travelled former Wallabies coach had just wrapped up his commitments with Argentina - having guided them to the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finals - when the stars aligned.
Cheika was weighing up his next move and had been linked with the vacant NSW Waratahs and Parramatta Eels jobs.
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Michael Cheika of Leicester Tigers. Getty
But in a twist of fate, Cheika replaced Dan McKellar at the Tigers in June as McKellar then moved into the hot seat at the Waratahs.
Ex-Brumbies boss McKellar lasted just one season at Leicester, who finished eighth in the 2023-24 Premiership with a 9-9 record.
The Tigers are the most successful club in the history of the competition with 11 England titles.
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"I've been in that environment before and I like the challenge," Cheika told the BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
"Often other people don't like you because of the reputation and I like to be in that position.
"You have to embrace it as that is the reason why you come here.
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"You want to learn about the history and make some of your own. If I didn't want this challenge then I wouldn't have taken it."
Cheika said his playing experience with Randwick had steeled him for high expectations throughout his coaching career.
The Leicester squad is stacked with England internationals as well as two-time World Cup winner Handre Pollard and Argentina captain Julian Montoya.
Pumas coach Michael Cheika hugs Julian Montoya. Getty
Former Wallabies utility Izaia Perese is among the new signings.
"I played for a club in Australia that had a big reputation for years and a successful history," Cheika said.
"When you go to these clubs you have to decide if you are going to live up to the reputation or if you are going to take that reputation left by others and move it forward and make it better and make a change.
Michael Cheika talks to Peter Hewat at Oadby Oval in Leicester. Getty
"The Martin Johnsons, Geordan Murphys and (Rory) Underwoods are all those players who have played at Leicester.
"That is what they want you to do. They don't just want you to live off their reputation.
"It's good to have a reputation but you have to push that on and use it as an advantage."
Leicester opens its campaign against Exeter Chiefs on September 22 (AEST).
All matches are available to watch on Stan Sport.
"The Premiership is something I want to master," Cheika said.
