Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will return to the Waratahs as head coach for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 59-year-old previously guided the Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title in 2014 before taking charge of the national team later that year.
He remained Australia coach until 2019 and has since coached Argentina and the Leicester Tigers.
Cheika will replace Dan McKellar, who stepped down in June, with the Waratahs confirming that he has signed for the 2027 season with an option for 2028.
The Waratahs finished eighth in the 2026 Super Rugby campaign and missed out on the playoffs.
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Cheika said he was excited to return to the club where he enjoyed the biggest success of his coaching career.
“The NSW Waratahs have always occupied a special place for me,” Cheika said.
“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 World Cup.”
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Cheika said winning the 2014 title remained a special memory, particularly the connection with the Waratahs supporters.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Cheika also outlined his immediate ambition after returning to Sydney.
“I want to make the Waratahs a great place to play footy,” he said.
Photo: Andrew Boyers/Action Images via Reuters
The post Cheika back to revive Waratahs appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will return to the Waratahs as head coach for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
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