Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has left the door open for Michael Cheika to return as the Wallabies coach. Cheika recently stepped down as the head coach of Argentina, just two months after leading the Pumas to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
Following Cheika’s departure from Argentina, speculation has arisen about the possibility of him returning to Sydney to replace Eddie Jones as the Wallabies coach. When asked about the potential of Cheika coming back, Waugh responded by saying, “Anything is possible, and we are not ruling anyone out of contention.”
Rugby Australia is currently in the process of hiring a high-performance director before proceeding with the search for a head coach. Waugh stressed the importance of following the proper process and stated that they are interested in considering anyone for the position.
While Cheika’s time with the Pumas saw notable victories against the All Blacks, Wallabies, and England, his assistant Felipe Contepomi will now take over as the Pumas’ head coach. Contepomi played a significant role in Leinster’s European Cup win in 2009 under Cheika’s coaching. He has also represented Argentina in 87 Tests and captained the team in the 2011 World Cup.
Cheika expressed pride in his experience as the head coach of the Pumas and expressed confidence in Contepomi’s leadership abilities. Contepomi, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work under Cheika and is honored to take on the role as head coach.
UAR President Gabriel Travaglini thanked Cheika for his contributions and expressed confidence in Contepomi’s ability to lead the team towards the Australia 2027 World Cup.
As the search for the next Wallabies coach continues, the possibility of Cheika returning cannot be dismissed. Wallabies fans will have to wait and see how the coaching selection process unfolds and whether Cheika’s name will be in contention once again.
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