Internationally-renowned mentor Michael Cheika will return to the NSW Waratahs as Head Coach for the 2027 season.
Cheika led the Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title in 2014 and, in a subsequent five year tenure as Wallabies Head Coach, captured Australia’s inaugural The Rugby Championship title and was named World Rugby Coach of the Year after taking the team to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final.
Later, as Head Coach of Argentina, he oversaw Los Pumas’ first-ever victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand and a top four finish at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Cheika’s extensive coaching journey has included roles with Leinster Rugby, Stade Francais, Leicester Tigers, Green Rockets Tokatsu and most recently the Sydney Roosters NRL side.
A proud New South Welshman, Cheika’s first major coaching accomplishment was a 2004 Shute Shield title as Head Coach of Randwick – the club where he played more than 300 games and won seven premierships.
The 59-year-old will formally commence at Waratahs in November ahead of the 2027 season with an option for 2028. His Assistant Coach will be announced in due course.
Incoming NSW Waratahs Head Coach Michael Cheika said:
“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.
“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.”
NSW Waratahs Director of Performance B-J Mather said:
“Michael is a proven leader with an exceptional record across many years building and preparing teams to compete on rugby’s biggest stages.
“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.”
