Michael Cheika set for NSW Waratahs coaching return

Michael Cheika NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Rugby Australia coaching appointment

Michael Cheika is poised to return as the coach of the NSW Waratahs, potentially signing a two-year deal. The former Wallabies coach, who led the Waratahs to their first Super Rugby title in 2014, is currently an assistant coach for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.

Rugby Australia has reportedly sought out Cheika following lobbying from senior Waratahs players. His return is viewed as a way to recharge a squad that has not appeared in a Super Rugby final since 2022. The appointment would also reunite Cheika with veteran players Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps.

Cheika, a former World Rugby coach-of-the-year, is also scheduled to coach Lebanon in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh has emphasized the importance of securing world-class coaching to provide certainty to players and supporters ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Entities

Brisbane Broncos · Michael Cheika · Michael Maguire · NSW Waratahs · Nick Phipps · Phil Waugh · Rugby Australia · Suncorp Stadium · Warriors

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Warriors had 40 sets compared to the Broncos' 43 sets.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Brisbane Broncos have a 6-15 record for the 2026 season.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Brisbane Broncos' tackle efficiency was 89.14 per cent.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Brisbane Broncos lost 40-6 to the Warriors.
[● 3 SOURCES] Michael Maguire stated the team's performance was not good enough.