After falling at the last hurdle at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Michael Cheika will get a second crack at winning rugby’s greatest prize, with the Australian Rugby Union announcing they have secured the coach’s services until the end of 2019.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “We could not be more delighted to have secured Michael’s services as national coach until at least the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.
“Obviously his record as Qantas Wallabies Coach over the past 18 months speaks for itself, but it’s the wonderful culture and a renewed pride in the gold jersey that Michael has instilled in the team which has laid the foundation for continued success.
“The performance of the Wallabies at the World Cup put Rugby back on the map in a huge way in Australia and you cannot understate the influence Michael has had, along with his fine coaching team, in igniting the passion of Australian rugby fans with the way the team performed both on and off the field during the tournament.”
Cheika was named coach of the Wallabies just prior to the 2014 end of season tour to Europe, following Ewen McKenzie’s unexpected resignation in the wake of mounting off-field issues.
Cheika was the obvious choice to replace McKenzie at the helm of Australia’s national team, having led the Waratahs to a drought-breaking Super Rugby title in 2014.
In his first full season as coach, Cheika’s Wallabies won the Rugby Championship and made the World Cup final, ultimately losing to New Zealand.
It was enough to earn the former Randwick no.8 the 2015 award for World Rugby Coach of the Year.
Of his extended contract, Cheika said: “I never imagined I would be in the position of coaching Australia and feel extremely honoured to have the opportunity to continue on for the next period though to the end of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
“Along with the other members of our team, I will be doing my absolute best to ensure that every game that the Australian Rugby team plays between now and then fills the nation with pride and all Australians can watch the Wallabies play in a way that Australians want to see rugby played.
“It is a privilege to be associated with the people involved with our national team and playing my part in establishing the Wallabies identity for the years to come and for many years after that.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Seems premature to me Brett. Clearly appears to be head and shoulders the best candidate we have and did very well in the role in 2015. But he was already contracted for 2 more seasons. What if 2016 is an absolute disaster and he makes some horrible decisions? Suddenly his record as an international coach would be very different. I'd rather the ARU focused their planning post 2017 around Cheika and heavily involving him so he knew that the role was his and they had no interest looking elsewhere and wrapping him up for the extra 2 years after a successful 2016 season.
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
it's the colour of the WBs jersey that is just not right....Yellow....c'mon - Kangaroos jersey colour is much better...but then you would look like the Saffas
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
what a wonderful description of Australian conversation...onya
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
well said Jokerman....I can't believe how terrible his accent is...I mean...really is Aussie Strine that bad?
pete and paul
Roar Rookie
In his first full season as coach, Cheika’s Wallabies won the Rugby Championship and made the World Cup final, ultimately losing to New Zealand. - and only after 1 game...c'mon...NZ beat him twice at the Garden of Eden and at Twickers.... and look what they did...made him coach of the year....what a joke!!! It was enough to earn the former Randwick no.8 the 2015 award for World Rugby Coach of the Year. I watched him on 360 and as much as he was trying to mask the crisis of who will replace Beale...I sensed big problems for the WBs....
Bakkies
Guest
A lot of Aussies would refuse to spend $170 on an expensive tshirt
Mr Hollywood
Guest
You will need more than four smiling chicks, Mr Chook to beat the All Blacks. From Hollywood
John R
Roar Guru
Honest to god Shane, haven't seen one since!
Squirrel
Guest
A great Shute shield product. The best coach by a mile
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Just wondering how quickly those jumpers disappeared from view following the final? (Sorry boys, couldn't resist a counter punch to Johns jab about Kiwis).
Shane D
Roar Rookie
I recall some media reports saying the ARU & Cheika were at loggerheads a few months ago. Nothing seems to predictable with Cheika!
John R
Roar Guru
I interpreted it to mean blooding new guys - but you might be right as well. Time will tell moit. All exciting times ahead. Tickets are purchased for the Melbourne test, can't wait!
PeterK
Roar Guru
He actually said new players in his squad
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah, we'll see. Guys like Kervi, Haylett-Petty, Holloway, Coleman and Arnold must surely be at least in the frame. I'd be starting 3 of them.
Mr Hollywood
Guest
He does have a big personality too which makes great All Black rivalry.
Mr Hollywood
Guest
I am happy to see Chieker return. There was a bit of mix and fix with Link. Link went old school with oranges out in the middle at halftime. But it was newness they needed; and playing New Order at half time with a ghetto blaster was never going to cut it. Link thought 'super' tricks could work on the world stage but nah. So we have the return of Chieker. But the All Blacks always strike back. The force is with them. They are just so good. Signing out for now. From Hollywood
Brizvegas
Guest
Happy Cheika will provide continuity and surprises congrats to him and ARU now back to business and taking down the English
Kiwi in us
Guest
Best man for the job. Glad it is all sorted. I can't wait for these June internationals. Especially aus vs eng. he will have his hands full.
Jokerman
Guest
Just some friendly banter on my part...I guess I wish you all well...!! To be honest though Cheiker was pretty funny at the RWC final interview. So was Moore. Poor buggers.
Charlie Turner
Guest
Will, was he balancing a ball on his nose?