Former Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika is on the verge of making history once again in his esteemed coaching career, as he prepares to lead Leicester Tigers into this weekend’s Premiership final.
Regardless of the outcome against Bath at Twickenham, Cheika’s tenure with Leicester will conclude, as his one-year contract comes to an end.
Should he emerge victorious, Cheika will become the first coach to capture a Heineken Cup, a Celtic Cup, a Super Rugby title, and now an English Premiership.
Michael Cheika at Welford Road Stadium in Leicester. Getty
Additionally, he previously led Australia to the Rugby World Cup final in 2015 and Argentina to the semi-finals in 2023.
Unsurprisingly, there’s been considerable discourse in Australia about how to bring Cheika back into the fold of Australian rugby.
Cheika expressed to The Sydney Morning Herald’s Iain Payten that he feels Australian rugby isn’t particularly keen to have him back.
With the Reds seeking a new coach when Les Kiss transitions to the Wallabies post-2026 season, Cheika jested, “I could never coach Queensland.”
This playful remark hints at a couple of things:
1. It’s clear that the former Waratahs coach has strong convictions and a deep-rooted connection to the rivalry between the states.
2. It suggests that Cheika is likely only interested in two coaching positions in Australian rugby: the Wallabies role or a return to the Waratahs.
Given that the national team position is secure for the foreseeable future with Joe Schmidt passing responsibilities to Kiss, could a creative alternative arise?
What if Waratahs coach Dan McKellar were send to the Reds to take over from Kiss, thereby opening the door for Cheika to reclaim his post in Sydney?
This idea was presented on this week’s episode of Stan Sport’s Inside Line.
Pragmatic as ever, ‘Payto’ pointed out that this option might not align with McKellar’s ambitions of restoring NSW’s former glory.
That may be true, but as a Queenslander, I understand that he has previously conveyed interest in coaching the Reds.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar keeps an eye on proceedings. Getty
He possesses ample coaching experience and there is no question that he could head up to Ballymore and find success with a well-structured and talented playing squad.
This arrangement would facilitate Cheika’s return to the Waratahs, enabling him to infuse a winning, dynamic mentality into Australian rugby’s most pivotal market.
Of course, this all depends on whether Cheika would consider it, if Rugby Australia’s hierarchy could bring all parties onboard, and whether Queensland would be receptive.
NEW PODCAST! Inside Line discusses reports of a surprise new Wallabies captain and explores where serial winner Michael Cheika could fit in Australian rugby going forward.
That’s a lot of uncertainty, but it’s certainly food for thought, and rugby needs to embrace innovative ideas.
While I don’t believe Australian rugby ‘needs’ Michael Cheika to return, it’s more of a ‘want’, and having him involved is undoubtedly more beneficial than losing him to the NRL, a coaching ambition he has often voiced.
You can catch Michael Cheika’s Tigers facing Bath in the Premiership final, with coverage available on Stan Sport from 11:50 PM AEST on Saturday.
Michael Cheika observes as Roosters’ coach Trent Robinson imparts advice. Getty
FUTURE FINALS FORMAT MUST NOT FAIL
There has been extensive discussion regarding the finals format for the Super Rugby Pacific series this year, alongside much speculation about how it might evolve in upcoming seasons.
Super Rugby CEO, Jack Mesley, has already indicated that a review of the current system will take place once this year’s competition concludes.
Tim Horan noted on Inside Line that one concern that has plagued Super Rugby over the years is continuous change.
Therefore, while it is crucial to review the finals process thoughtfully, it is equally essential not to shy away from change out of apprehension.
Whatever the review uncovers, there are two aspects that the future finals format should strictly avoid: the occurrence of dead rubbers and the prospect of a losing team in week one hosting a semi-final in week two.
If not for the Blues’ late win against the Chiefs on Saturday, the upcoming matchup between the Brumbies and Hurricanes could have ended up being virtually irrelevant, with both teams aware that a loss wouldn’t lead to elimination.
Thankfully, Beauden Barrett and the Blues added a layer of tension to the contest by defeating the Chiefs, meaning the loser of Brumbies vs Hurricanes would be contemplating Mad Monday.
Nevertheless, the Brumbies’ victory should have meant they would host a semi-final this weekend.
Instead, the Chiefs, having finished top of the table, just edged down a rung in the rankings to host the Brumbies in Hamilton. Such scenarios should not unfold in a finals series.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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