# Michael Cheika appointment as Waratahs head coach

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/michael-cheika-appointment-as-waratahs-head-coach
> Updated: 2026-08-21T23:30:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Michael Cheika has been appointed as the head coach of the NSW Waratahs for the 2027 Super Rugby season. Cheika will depart his role as a forwards coach and coaching specialist with the Sydney Roosters following the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season.

This appointment marks a return to Rugby Union for Cheika, who previously led the Waratahs to a Super Rugby title in 2014. His coaching history includes serving as the head coach of the Australian Wallabies and Argentina. His return to the club follows a period where rival programs, such as the Brumbies and the Reds, have maintained highly successful player pipelines.

The agreement was reached following three weeks of negotiations between Cheika and Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh. Although Cheika did not initially apply for the vacancy left by Dan McKellar in June, the deal was facilitated by senior New South Wales players advocating for his return.

Cheika is expected to reunite with several former teammates. Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps have re-signed with the team for 2027, while Stephen Hoiles is a frontrunner for a senior assistant coaching role. Discussions are also reportedly underway regarding other 2014 alumni, such as Wycliff Palu, for assistant positions.

## Claims

- Michael Cheika will return to coach the Waratahs for the second time in his career. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In 2012, the Waratahs finished third in the Australian conference with four wins and 12 losses. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- During Cheika’s first year as coach in 2013, the Waratahs achieved eight wins and eight losses. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Michael Cheika to return as Waratahs head coach for 2027 season

Michael Cheika is set to return as head coach of the Waratahs for the 2027 Super Rugby season, reuniting with former players like Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-cheika-to-return-as-waratahs-coach

### 2026-08-19: Michael Cheika appointed NSW Waratahs head coach

Michael Cheika will return to Rugby Union as the NSW Waratahs head coach in 2027, departing his role as forwards coach for the Sydney Roosters at the end of the 2026 NRL season.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-cheika-appointed-nsw-waratahs-head-coach

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Cite as: Michael Cheika appointment as Waratahs head coach. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/michael-cheika-appointment-as-waratahs-head-coach