Michael Cheika returns to NSW Waratahs more than a decade after winning their first Super Rugby title

Michael Cheika is returning to the NSW Waratahs as head coach ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than a decade after steering the Sydney-based side to their first-ever Super Rugby title in 2014.

Cheika, 59, will officially take charge this November on a deal covering next season, with an option to extend through 2028. The appointment reunites him with a club he helped define — it was Cheika who oversaw the Waratahs’ maiden championship triumph 12 years ago, when Bernard Foley slotted a late penalty to seal victory over the Crusaders in Sydney. Foley is set to return to the Waratahs next season, with former Wallaby Nick Phipps also signing on.

The former World Rugby Coach of the Year brings one of the more varied CVs in the game. After leaving the Waratahs following that 2014 title, Cheika took charge of the Wallabies, guiding Australia to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final before remaining in the role for a further four years. He has also coached Leinster, Stade Français, Leicester Tigers, Green Rockets Tokatsu, and the Argentina national team.

Most recently, Cheika has been part of the NRL’s Sydney Roosters coaching staff under head coach Trent Robinson. The Roosters confirmed their support for the move, with Cheika making clear he intends to honour his current commitments before shifting focus to rugby union.

“The NSW Waratahs have always occupied a special place for me — it’s 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,” Cheika said.

“Before all of that I want to give my all to my rugby league club, the Sydney Roosters, to help achieve our goal for this season, to pay them back for the trust and belief they have always shown in me.”

NSW Waratahs Director of Performance B-J Mather welcomed the appointment, describing Cheika as “a proven leader with an exceptional record across many years building and preparing teams to compete on rugby’s biggest stages.”

“We believe Michael is the right person to now lead the next chapter for the Waratahs and we are delighted to welcome him home,” Mather added.

Cheika’s return comes with Australia hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup, adding extra weight to the Waratahs’ ambitions of rebuilding as one of the country’s flagship franchises.