Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been chosen to replace Mario Ledesma as the Pumas head coach, according to a report in Argentina.
La Nacion newspaper reports that Cheika has been selected ahead of Gonzalo Quesada and Felipe Contepomi, who are coaching in European rugby with Stade Francais and Leinster respectively.
The paper said Contepomi will be an assistant to Cheika but take over after next year’s World Cup.
“Cheika had already been with the national team as Ledesma’s advisor during the 2020 Tri-Nations and the July Tests and the 2021 Rugby Championship. In fact, the players themselves point to him as a key factor in the victory against New Zealand,” La Nacion reported.
The Roar has sought comment from Cheika on the news.
La Nacion said the “the hiring draws attention because it occurs at a time when the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) is going through a time of scarcity, to the point that in recent years there have been considerable cuts…”
The UAR’s president Marcelo Rodríguez and deputy Gabriel Travaglini travelled to Europe to meet with candidates before “opting for the experience of the Australian, who won the arm wrestling match against Quesada, the favourite of the players and the fans.”
Cheika was Wallabies coach from 2014-2019, reaching the World Cup final in 2015.
Ledesma was Cheika’s forwards coach for some of that time.
Cheika, who has been working as a pundit for Stan Sport, will be Argentina’s first foreign head coach since Kiwi Alex Wylie in 1999.
The Roar experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones analyse week three of Super Rugby Pacific and name their early bolters for Bledisloe Cup honours in The Roar Rugby Podcast.
Malo
Guest
I’d say Cheikas record with Argentina will be better than Rennies with the wallabies but hey apparently the experts on the Roar said he can’t coach so it must be gospel even though he got the Wallabies to a RWCUP. Final. What’s the odds Rennie will do this 1000/1
Rumen
Roar Rookie
We welcome Cheika at the helm of the Pumas. He is a knowledgeable coach and he already knows the players and Argentina's systems etc. He is also a good motivator which is what Argentina needs these days. We wish him luck and who knows maybe he in a short period of time may be able to take the Pumas high enough at the next WC. Vamos Pumas :))
ScottD
Roar Guru
Ledesma looked 65 when he was 40 :)
ScottD
Roar Guru
Maybe, but a win is a win at the RWC. You can't take it away from him that the team exceeded everyone's expectations.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I agree too. He is a good motivator and may do very well for a short term stint.
Harry Jones
Expert
You don’t know that, at all. If you actually knew Rassie, you’d probably love the guy. But he is wild and slightly unhinged!
BackInBlack
Guest
It’s unfair to the other coaches lumping them in with Rassie. They all possess something he doesn’t: a moral compass
ClassAct
Guest
It gets even better. Raelene Castle rumoured to land the CEO position. Get ready for more than a few native Argies to be cancelled while increasing support from Argentina’s LGBTI community. Better do die on your knees than live on your feet apparently :laughing:
UAP
Guest
Cheika 55 years old .. probably looks his age. Ledesma is 48 but looks 65. Is this what happens when you coach Argentina?
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
That word won’t be heard in Argie transmissions.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
The computer companies will make a killing from it LBJ. :laughing:
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
No that was dirty deeds, which I don't need to think about with respect to the individual in question.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Chek remains relevant and involved in world rugby. Its a shame to me that a talented coach, Eden Mackenzie, walked away and us 'lost" to the sport.
wigeye
Guest
had to as he was a laughing stock. And a embarrassment to rugby and Australia if I remember from not Tooooo long ago
wigeye
Guest
:thumbup: :thumbup:
biltong
Guest
I suspect it could be a positive for Argentina, Cheika isn't a bad coach, he is passionate and will get the players excited, his positive attitude towards running rugby will improve Argentina's attack. They have the talent, their forwards need to get back to gaining some superiority in the set piece though.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Felipe is just an assistant coach in Leinster. As I said above, his only short term HC job had disastrous results. So, no, he can't or shouldn't be HC of the Pumas now.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Ledesma continually placed blame on his players for the poor performance. he never took responsibility for plans or tactics. It was always "poor execution". This is why I have so little respect for him.
LBJ
Roar Rookie
I thought he resigned when he fell short of his goals?
LBJ
Roar Rookie
Just imagine all the broken keyboards...makes me giggle just thinking about it.