Michael Cheika, the former Wallabies boss, has reportedly held talks with Wales players as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) intensifies its search for a new head coach to succeed Warren Gatland. Gatland recently stepped down from his role after a string of losses, leaving Matt Sherratt to take over as interim head coach for the Six Nations tournament. However, Sherratt has expressed no interest in the position permanently as he remains committed to his role at Cardiff.
Cheika, currently with Leicester Tigers, is said to have conversed with some Welsh players as he weighs his interest in the vacant head coach job. The 57-year-old, known for his tenure with the Wallabies from 2014 to 2019, has sparked speculation about a potential return to coaching on an international level. Reports suggest that Cheika has engaged in informal discussions with Rugby Australia about a possible comeback.
Alongside Cheika, other names have surfaced in the head coach search, including Franco Smith, Pat Lam, and Simon Easterby. Smith, the Glasgow head coach, expressed his desire to coach internationally following a recent match, hinting at a possible interest in the Wales position. Easterby, currently in charge of Ireland on a temporary basis, is also a contender, although his commitment to Wales remains uncertain.
Cheika’s interest in the Australia job has raised questions about his potential collaboration with current head coach Joe Schmidt, who is expected to transition into a consulting role. Despite concerns about the state of Welsh rugby, Cheika seems undeterred and has sought insights from players and individuals familiar with the game in Wales. His interactions with Welsh duo Tommy Reffell and Nicky Smith at Leicester demonstrate his active engagement with Welsh talent.
As the WRU evaluates its coaching options, the prospect of Cheika’s return to Australia presents a competitive landscape with local club coaches like Les Kiss, Dan McKellar, and Stephen Larkham also in the running. The evolving scenario suggests a dynamic shift in international coaching appointments, with former players like Ronan O’Gara and Leon MacDonald expressing interest in coaching roles at the international level.
The search for Gatland’s successor has generated significant interest, with potential candidates exploring various opportunities. As discussions unfold and candidates emerge, the WRU remains dedicated to finding a coach who can navigate the challenges of Welsh rugby effectively. With Cheika’s involvement in the coaching conversations and his interactions with Welsh players, the coaching landscape in Wales is poised for an intriguing transformation.