Michael Cheika named new Wallabies coach
The Australian Rugby Union has unveiled Michael Cheika as the new coach of the Wallabies.
Cheika has been in negotiations with the ARU for the past two days over the role following the resignation of Ewen McKenzie on Saturday.
He will have to hit the ground running as the Wallabies are scheduled to fly to Europe on Friday for their five-match tour, which includes a game against the Barbarians and Tests against Wales, France, Ireland and England.
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Cheika, who guided the NSW Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title this year, has less than a year to work with the Wallabies before the World Cup in Britain.
He will remain in charge of the Waratahs for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
“I am going to have to work hard and learn quickly but I am up for the challenge,” said Cheika.
Cheika becomes the Wallabies’ third coach in 15 months.
He arrives with the team mired in controversy over the Kurtley Beale texting affair and with many supporters disillusioned by the off-field drama along with some disappointing recent results on the field.
He promised to give supporters performances to be proud of.
“Any time I am involved with a team it’s expected that supporters are proud of their efforts every time they play,” he said.
Cheika said he had no hesitation accepting the Wallabies job despite the last two coaches’ reigns ending in despair.
“It’s just about me trying to do the best job that I can,” he said.
“If I do the best I can, that’s all I can ask of myself and I’m a hard maker on myself.
“I wouldn’t do it if I couldn’t do the best that I possibly could. That’s how I’ll gauge myself and measure myself.”
With AAP