Waratahs seek new coach as Michael Cheika speculated to return

Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh confirmed that the NSW Waratahs coaching vacancy is being narrowed after Dan McKellar resigned for personal reasons with a year left on his three‑year contract. Expressions of interest closed last Friday and, while former Waratahs and Wallabies boss Michael Cheika – currently an assistant with the NRL’s Sydney Roosters – has not formally applied, he remains a leading candidate. Other names linked to the role include former Wallabies great Stephen Hoiles, former Australia sevens star Chris Latham, and John Manenti. Waugh said the board wants “world‑class” coaches to provide certainty for players and supporters ahead of a World Cup year.

Cheika previously guided the Waratahs to the 2014 Super Rugby title and was the first coach to win major club trophies in both hemispheres. Despite earlier speculation about a Wales job, he is now being urged back to Australian union rugby. Discussions with former All Blacks coach Joe Schmidt are also ongoing, although Schmidt is consulting for Ulster in Ireland.

Separately, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus declined to reveal his team’s approach for the upcoming four‑Test series against New Zealand, which will be staged in South Africa and the United States.