Michael Cheika makes SHOCK move that puts him in the frame to take over from Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach
- Cheika is a former Wallabies mentor
- Took Argentina to the semi-finals of the World Cup
- Has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Eddie Jones
The door has been opened for a reunion with the Wallabies, with former coach Michael Cheika making the shock decision to leave Argentina in a move that makes him available for the country's top rugby job.
Rugby Australia is carefully going through the process of finding a new Wallabies coach following the Eddie Jones disaster.
In his second coming as Wallabies coach, Jones tried to usher in a youth era but it blew up in his face, causing Australia to miss the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history.
That caused Jones to resign before he was pushed, just nine months after signing a deal that would take him until 2027.
Now Cheika is becoming a top prospect after his heroics with Los Pumas at the World Cup.
Former Australian coach Michael Cheika took Argentina to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals and is now a candidate to return as Wallabies boss
The second coming of Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach was a disaster for Rugby Australia
Under Cheika, Argentina rose to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup, while under his watch they also defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand, the Wallabies in Australia and England at Twickenham.
“Being head coach of Los Pumas fills me with pride and is one of the experiences I have enjoyed most in my coaching career,” Cheika told the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) website.
“Although I was born in Australia, a big part of me will be Argentina. I am convinced that Felipe and his staff will lead the team in the best way.”
However, Rugby Australia will not rush to replace Jones as respected Sydney sporting director Peter Horne will be appointed as the new director of high performance.
He will join new RA chairman Daniel Herbert and CEO Phil Waugh in appointing the new coach, with several candidates already emerging.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh won't rush to appoint new Wallabies coach after his predecessor's disastrous decision with Eddie Jones
Waugh said they would take their time to ensure the right decision was made.
“I like to be very methodical and deliberate about how we approach things,” Waugh said.
“I think it's really important to land and announce the director of High Performance, and then make sure we have the right selection panel, which includes all the different stakeholders as best as possible.
“So it's about the Wallaby environment and also about the rugby culture in Australia.”
Waugh has also confirmed he is open to international candidates, which could open the door for the likes of All Blacks assistant coach Joe Schmidt.
“I think Australian culture is integral to how this system will be set up in the future,” Waugh said.
“That doesn't rule out any international coach who has the right attributes, skills and track record, but what we will drive through the system is that true Australian way.”