Following their shocking announcement of head coach Dan McKellar’s dismissal, the Leicester Tigers have entered into advanced negotiations with former Australia coach Michael Cheika.
After Argentina’s 26-23 loss to England in the bronze final of this season, Cheika resigned as head coach and began hunting for another position.
The former Wallaby coach was first passed over by the Tigers in favour of McKellar, who is currently most likely the front-runner to take over at the NSW Waratahs—a position that Cheika has also been connected to.
The Tigers’ majority of the players who aren’t on international duty are likely to be installed before they return for preseason training on July 1. Cheika made millions marketing jeans in the women’s fashion sector.
Despite the fact that it conflicted with the Pumas’ autumn test series trip, the 57-year-old also served as Lebanon’s coach at the postponed 2022 Rugby League World Cup. He has extensive experience coaching clubs in Europe.
Prior to heading to Stade Francais, he began his coaching career in Italy with Petrarca Rugby. After that, he took over at Leinster, where he won the Heineken Cup the following year and the Celtic League in 2008.
Many coaches who have led the team in the past have struggled to gain the trust of the influential Tigers dressing room, which is something the 2015 World Rugby Coach of the Year will have to accomplish.
Cheika was removed from consideration for the position after the first round of interviews, despite having recently negotiated a cross-code transition to the NRL with the Parramatta Eels.
He was mentioned in connection with a move to Gloucester four years ago. Since then, he has been frequently linked to Montpellier, a high-profile Top 14 team. In the next 48 to 72 hours, he may finalise a contract to join the Tigers.
