Back in blue: Cheika set to return as Waratahs coach

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is poised for a return as NSW Waratahs coach this week, 12 years after leading the team to their first Super Rugby title.

According to informed sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, Cheika’s likely two-year deal is currently being finalised. The Waratahs are set to announce their new coach later this week.

Cheika is currently working as an assistant coach in the NRL with the Roosters but will make a return to the 15-man code.

His last role in rugby was in 2025 with Leicester Tigers in England, where he took the team to the Premiership Rugby final in his one season at the club, before returning to Australia.

The Waratahs have been without a coach since Dan McKellar parted ways with the club after failing to make Super Rugby finals in two seasons.

Cheika’s appointment comes after lobbying from senior Waratahs players and the realisation from Rugby Australia that his appointment can help recharge the team whose last finals appearance was 2022.

The former Wallabies coach has been in conversations with RA Chief Executive Phil Waugh for the last two weeks, with Cheika still to take charge of Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup and also keen to see out the NRL season with the Roosters.

He said last month he’d not heard from the Waratahs, or their owners, Rugby Australia, about the NSW vacancy, but after lobbying from senior Waratahs players, RA officials have come to appreciate the massive impact of a Cheika return to the Waratahs and are now exploring how it could work, according to informed sources.

The Waratahs recently announced their coaching panel for the Super AU competition, headed by Lachie McCafferty. He will be assisted by Wallabies halfback Jake Gordon and recently retired playmaker Jack Debreczeni.