‘He’s a world-class operator’: How the Cheika deal to return to the Waratahs was done

August 22, 2026 — 10:03am

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Sepia-toned sugar hit, or seismic change under a world-class coach? That’s the debate emerging over Michael Cheika’s return to the Waratahs as head coach for, at least, the 2027 season.

Following a three-week flurry of negotiations between Cheika and Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh, the 59-year-old agreed to return to NSW a dozen years after leading the franchise to its one and only Super Rugby title in 2014.

It will be a reunion, of sorts, with two key members of that Waratahs side – Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps – having also recently re-signed with the outfit for 2027, and with Stephen Hoiles the frontrunner to become a senior assistant coach under Cheika, and his likely successor in 2028.

Another 2014 alumni, Wycliff Palu, is also in the mix to return as an assistant coach.

The jokes have been flowing online about getting the 2014 Tahs band back together, but those relationships were instrumental in Cheika returning, according to informed sources familiar with how the deal was done.

After Dan McKellar exited in June, the Tahs and RA – which owns the franchise – called for applications. Cheika did not apply but after senior NSW players reached out to raise the possibility of him also returning with Foley and Phipps, a meeting with RA was set up.

Talks between Cheika and Waugh progressed, and terms were agreed. Cheika remains connected emotionally to the Waratahs, and the timing worked.

The former Wallabies coach has been........

© Brisbane Times