Michael Cheika will join up with England squad ahead of Samoa clash

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Cheika, 57, has built a global reputation as a high-caliber rugby union coach, with stints guiding the Wallabies and, most recently, taking charge at Leicester.

But he’s no stranger to the league game either, having led Lebanon to the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals two years back and previously worked with NRL heavyweights the Sydney Roosters.

Now, Cheika’s Tigers are roaring in the Premiership, coming off a nail-biting 32-29 win over Saracens—a fifth win out of six that places them just a point behind league leaders Bath.

This afternoon, Cheika is expected at Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium, where he’ll meet with England head coach Shaun Wane. This high-profile link-up reportedly came together after Cheika reached out via cross-code icon Freddie Tuilagi, with a little help from Wigan legend Martin Offiah.

Will Cheika’s tactical nous add fire to England’s bid to start the series on a high? We’ll find out soon enough.

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From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.