Cheika back in the frame for Waratahs role
Former Australia and Argentina head coach Michael Cheika is being lined up for a sensational return to rugby union with the NSW Waratahs, according to reports. Cheika coached the Waratahs for three years before becoming Wallabies coach in 2015, guiding them to the 2014 Super Rugby title. Now, he is tipped for a homecoming after head coach Dan McKellar stepped down due to personal reasons last month.
Cheika, who was an early favourite to replace Warren Gatland as Wales head coach before the role went to Steve Tandy, spent last season in rugby league as assistant coach of NRL side Sydney Roosters. However, growing calls for his return to union follow reports that several targets, including former All Blacks boss Scott Robertson and Scott Wisemantel, have turned the Waratahs down. Joe Schmidt was also targeted before taking a consultancy role with Ulster.
ABC News reports that expressions of interest for the vacancy closed last week, and Cheika has not yet applied. But he continues to be linked, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh has not ruled out a homecoming for the 59-year-old. Refusing to say if he had spoken to Cheika, Waugh said: "We want world-class coaches, right across the system. That's our focus; there's multiple applicants, and we're working through it." He added: "We want to provide certainty to players and supporters as quickly as we can. I don't like to anchor myself to timelines when it comes to coaching announcements, but we're conscious of getting the right person and the importance of a successful Waratahs in a World Cup year."
Erasmus keeps Springboks' plans under wraps
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has refused to reveal how his side plan to approach their upcoming Test series against New Zealand. The four-Test series, promoted as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR), begins next month with the first Test in Johannesburg on August 22. The two teams will meet twice more in South Africa – in Cape Town and again in Johannesburg – before the final Test at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
While in South Africa, the All Blacks will also face club sides Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions, while the Springboks are scheduled to play Argentina and Australia either side of the RGR series. Addressing the media this week, Erasmus faced several questions about the All Blacks but kept his cards close, refusing to reveal whether his side would adopt a kicking or running approach against Dave Rennie's men. Instead, he insisted his tactical approach will depend on team selection – which will be made after their clash with the Pumas on August 8 – as well as how the All Blacks perform against the franchise sides.
"If we play Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu], Handré [Pollard] or Manie [Libbok] at flyhalf, we have to decide whether we play a kicking game or a running game," said Erasmus, insisting his full focus is currently on Argentina. "It depends on what team we pick and how the All Blacks go in the franchise matches. We haven't done a lot of analysing when it comes to the All Blacks, that is why the squad for the Greatest Rivalry series will only be announced after the Argentina match."
Schmidt returns to Ulster as coach advisor
Ulster Rugby have confirmed that former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will take up a year-long consultancy role with the province. Schmidt, who stepped down as Wallabies head coach after the recent Nations Championship southern series, enjoyed a hugely successful spell in Irish rugby, winning two Champions Cups with Leinster before guiding the national team to three Six Nations titles. Now, he is back to help develop Ulster's coaches and "strengthen a clear and connected coaching pathway" at the province.
"Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Schmidt in a consultancy capacity as Coach Development Advisor, a newly created role focused on strengthening and developing the coaching pathway across the province," the province said in a statement on Wednesday. "Schmidt will support the ongoing development of coaches across the province, helping to strengthen a clear and connected coaching pathway spanning the academy, age-grade programmes, schools and clubs, as well as the professional game." Through several visits and remote interactions over the next 12 months, Schmidt will work closely with coaching staff at all levels, providing mentorship, guidance and strategic support.
As his appointment was confirmed, Schmidt added: "Ulster has a proud rugby tradition and further developing the coaching pathway in the region is something that we believe can add value. We've had initial discussions about where to get started, and I've already had the opportunity to work with some of the school coaches, alongside Dan Soper."
