Michael Cheika was confirmed Wednesday as the new coach of the Australian national rugby team, but it was also revealed that he would also continue in his duties at the Waratahs until his contract there runs out in 2015.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said Cheika was the standout candidate to replace Ewen McKenzie, who sensationally resigned in the aftermath of the Wallabies’ 29-28 loss to New Zealand on Saturday.
“Central to our decision was selecting a world-class coach who can lead us to victory in next year’s Rugby World Cup and a person who represents Rugby’s core values,” said Pulver.
“Michael fulfils these requirements. He is also extremely passionate and has a strong track record of motivating teams to win through plenty of hard work. I’m confident he will embrace this new challenge and on behalf of the Australian Rugby community, I would like to congratulate him on his appointment.”
Cheika himself said: “I never imagined I would be in the position of coaching our national team and feel extremely honoured to have this opportunity. My mission will be to do the best possible job I can and to motivate the people around me to ensure they are able to represent Australia to the best of their ability.
“I feel the key to any future success will be to ensure we have a strong identity and not letting anything get in the way of our preparation to succeed on the world stage.”
Cheika brings extensive experience to the role, having led the Waratahs to their first ever Super Rugby title earlier this year. He also coached at Irish province Leinster for five years, winning the club’s first ever Heineken Cup in 2009.
Cheika will bring with him defence coach Nathan Grey, who will work alongside current forwards coach Andrew Blades. The contracts of Nick Scrivener and Jim McKay will end.
Pulver, meanwhile, also revealed a change to the ARU’s off-field set-up in light of the Di Patston scandal.
“A recent review found we need to introduce a senior position into the Wallabies’ off-field structure to provide additional leadership and general management duties,” he explained.
“For the upcoming Spring Tour, our General Manager of Pathways & Performance, Ben Whitaker, will undertake this role, with a permanent appointment and confirmation of what this role will encompass to be made after the Spring Tour.”
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Hmm. Great choice, but this seems a messy compromise. ARFU must be really strapped not to buy out his contact.
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