Cheika confirmed as new Wallabies coach

The Australian Rugby Union have confirmed that Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has been appointed Wallabies head coach on a three year contract with immediate effect.

Cheika was appointed after Ewen McKenzie resigned from his position following the Wallabies 29-28 loss to New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.

Cheika is currently contracted to the NSW Waratahs until the end of 2015, and will retain that position for 2015 only while coaching the Wallabies.

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said Michael Cheika was the outstanding candidate for the role. “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.”

“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,” Mr Pulver said. Cheika said he was humbled by his appointment.

“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 comes to the role with extensive experience in Rugby as a player and coach domestically and internationally and led the NSW Waratahs to their first-ever Super Rugby title earlier this year.

The Australian Rugby Union were forced into making a quick descision as the Wallabies leave for their end of year Tour on Friday, with games against the Barbarians, Wales, France, Ireland and England.