Michael Cheika lined up for sensational return to Rugby Union

Michael Cheika, former head coach of the Wallabies and Argentina, is being lined up for a return to the NSW Waratahs as head coach after multiple targets including Joe Schmidt, Scott Robertson, and Scott Wisemantel declined the role. Cheika previously led the Waratahs between 2012 and 2015 before moving on to coach the Wallabies, and most recently departed Leicester Tigers in June 2025 after a stint as an NRL assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters. The Waratahs are seeking a replacement for ousted coach Dan McKellar ahead of the next Super Rugby Pacific season.