With a SHOCK move, Michael Cheika positions himself to succeed Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach.
With the shocking decision to leave Argentina, former coach Michael Cheika has created the opportunity for a reunion with the Wallabies by making himself available for the top rugby position in the nation.
Following Eddie Jones’ debacle, Rugby Australia is cautiously going through the Wallabies coaching search process.
Jones attempted to usher in a young movement during his second stint as Wallabies coach, but it backfired, and Australia missed the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup for the first time ever.
Jones resigned before being forced to do so, which occurred only nine months after he inked a contract that was meant to keep him in office until 2027.
After his achievements with Los Pumas during the World Cup, Cheika will now be a strong contender.
Argentina advanced to the Rugby World Cup semifinals under Cheika’s leadership, defeating the Wallabies in Australia, the All Blacks in New Zealand, and England at Twickenham.
Cheika told the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) website, “Being the head coach of Los Pumas fills me with pride, and it is one of the experiences that I enjoyed the most in my career as a coach.”
‘An important part of me will always be Argentina, even if I was born in Australia. I have no doubt that Felipe and his colleagues will lead the group in the most effective manner.
But, rugby Australia will not jump to replace Jones; Peter Horne, a well-known sports executive from Sydney, is expected to take over as the organization’s new director of high performance.
He will pick the new coach alongside chief executive Phil Waugh and new RA chairman Daniel Herbert, with other candidates having already expressed interest.
Waugh promised to take their time and make sure the best choice was chosen.
“I prefer to approach things with a lot of method and consideration,” Waugh remarked.
The appointment and announcement of the director of high performance, in my opinion, is crucial, as is making sure the selection panel is suitable and adequately represents the many stakeholders.
“So that it revolves around the Wallaby environment and the Australian rugby culture as well.”
Waugh has additionally said that he is accepting applications from outside the country, which may allow for the appointment of assistant coach Joe Schmidt of the All Blacks.
“I believe that the future configuration of this system will be heavily influenced by Australian culture,” Waugh stated.
“We will be promoting the true Australian way through the system, but that doesn’t exclude any international coach with the right qualities, experience, and skill set.”
