Updated August 19, 2026 \u2014 5:32pm,first published 11:32am<\/p>\n
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n
The Waratahs say the return of Michael Cheika for as little as one season is not a \u201csugar hit\u201d and the former Wallabies coach will set up the battling franchise for long-term success with his strong coaching beliefs and structures.<\/p>\n
Confirming this masthead\u2019s report on Monday, Cheika was officially announced as the Waratahs\u2019 new head coach on Wednesday, after signing on for a return to the franchise he led to a Super Rugby title in 2014. It remains the Waratahs\u2019 one and only premiership.<\/p>\n
Cheika is joining the franchise on a two-year deal, in which the 59-year-old will lead the Tahs in 2027 but potentially then exit in 2028, and instead pass the baton to a senior assistant coach, who is yet to be appointed. Former Wallaby and Waratah Stephen Hoiles is in discussions with the Waratahs and owners Rugby Australia.<\/p>\n
Cheika coached the Waratahs between 2013 and 2015, winning the competition in the second season and making the semi-finals in the third. The Waratahs and RA hope Cheika can turn the club around and reignite passion for the team among the growing number of fans who have lost interest in Super Rugby and the Tahs.<\/p>\n
The recruitment comes after coach Dan McKellar exited the troubled franchise in June.<\/p>\n
Cheika will begin at the Waratahs in November after finishing with the Roosters, where he is currently an assistant coach, and then leading Lebanon to the Rugby League World Cup. Out of respect for the Roosters, Cheika did not front media on Wednesday but said in a statement the opportunity to return to the Tahs had a special pull.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NSW Waratahs have always occupied a special place for me \u2013 it\u2019s my home state and I feel ready to return as their head coach ahead of an important year for the Waratahs and also for Australian rugby in the lead up to the home Rugby World Cup,\u201d Cheika said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing involved in the NSW squad that lifted the Super Rugby trophy in 2014 is something I will never forget, especially the passion and energy of our supporters. This is a new time, a different time, and I am looking forward to being able to enjoy those same kinds of feelings and more with players, their families and all the fans in this new adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Waratahs head of high performance Barrie-Jon Mather said he hoped Cheika\u2019s record as a turnaround specialist would yield good results at the Waratahs.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe usually gets a good bounce when he comes into a club,\u201d Mather said. \u201cSo we have a really talented squad and a young squad. We brought some experience in around that. So I think \u2018Cheik\u2019 probably backs himself to get that performance bounce in the very near future.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a big profile as a former title winner and fiery ex-Wallabies coach, Cheika will undoubtedly reignite the interest of Waratahs fans, and the broader sporting landscape, too.<\/p>\n
Mather denied Cheika would be a short-term \u201csugar hit\u201d for the franchise, however.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you know him … he\u2019s not here for a sugar hit. He\u2019ll have a lot to say and a lot of things, and he\u2019ll steer that direction pretty well,\u201d Mather said.<\/p>\n