Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been spotted meeting Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh in Sydney, fuelling speculation about his potential return to the role.
With current coach Joe Schmidt set to step down after the Rugby Championship, Rugby Australia is finalising a shortlist of candidates, receiving global interest.
Cheika, who led Australia to the 2015 World Cup final but departed after a disappointing 2019 campaign, is currently coaching Leicester but will leave at the end of the season.
Having also guided Argentina to the 2023 World Cup semi-finals, Cheika is seen as a strong contender.
Rugby Australia aims to announce Schmidt’s successor soon, with the new coach preparing the Wallabies for their northern hemisphere tour starting in October.
Michael Cheika ‘meets with rugby chiefs’ over potential new role https://t.co/kKfaDyySlc
— #RugbyTigers (@RugbyTigers) February 18, 2025
