Cheika to cut ties with Tigers
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Leicester Tigers have announced that director of rugby Michael Cheika will leave at the end of the season after opting not to extend his contract with the Premiership club.
The 57-year-old Australian signed a one-year deal before the start of the current season but said last week talks about his future had been pushed back following a humiliating 80-12 defeat by Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup.
“Leicester Tigers can confirm that Michael Cheika will not continue in his role as head coach beyond the current season,” the club said in a statement on Thursday.
“Cheika joined the club ahead of the current campaign on a one-year deal.”
Former Leicester prop and ex-Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has been touted as a potential successor along with fellow Vodacom URC title-winner Franco Smith, who lifted the trophy with Glasgow Warriors last season.
Leicester are fourth in the Premiership table and have reached the last 16 of the European Champions Cup.
CEO Andrea Pinchen said the club had wanted the former Australia and Argentina coach – who guided the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup final – to stay longer.
“While disappointed, given the positive influence Michael has had since joining us in the summer, we were always aware of this being a one-year deal and we have been transparent with players, staff, and supporters on that point,” she said.
“As we have said throughout Michael's tenure, we would have liked to have extended his time in the head coach role but understand why that can't happen.
“Knowing it was a one-year contract, the club has been running a recruitment process to find a suitable replacement.”
Cheika is expected to return to Australia at the end of the 2024-25 season in the hope of getting a rugby league coaching gig in the NRL.
Cheika, a second-generation Lebanese Australian, coached Lebanon at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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