Michael Cheika is making sensational return to Rugby Union 

According to RugbyPass, Cheika has emerged as a leading contender to replace the recently departed Dan McKellar, with the Super Rugby Pacific side reportedly running out of options after several high-profile coaches turned down the role.

The 58-year-old previously coached the Waratahs between 2012 and 2015, leading the franchise to its first Super Rugby title before leaving to take charge of the Wallabies.

Since then, Cheika has coached Argentina and Leicester Tigers, while spending the past year in the NRL as an assistant with the Sydney Roosters.

According to RugbyPass, former Ireland and Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt was among the Waratahs' preferred candidates but has instead accepted a coach development adviser role with Ulster.

The report also claims that Scott Robertson and Scott Wisemantel, now with the Parramatta Eels, have both ruled themselves out of contention.

With those options unavailable, momentum is reportedly building behind a Cheika return.

Cheika left Leicester Tigers in June 2025 and has also been linked with the vacant head coaching role at NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons.

However, according to RugbyPass, the former Wallabies boss is now firmly in the frame to take over at the Waratahs once again.

A return would see Cheika reunited with the club where he enjoyed one of the most successful spells of his coaching career and could provide the experienced leadership the Waratahs are seeking as they aim to rebuild ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.