FORMER WALLABIES COACH Michael Cheika was on Monday linked with the top job at second-tier French rugby side Beziers, who are in talks with wealthy UAE investors about a takeover.
Beziers were a powerhouse team in the 1970s and 1980s, winning 11 championships, but are now languishing in the Pro D2 second division.
The club confirmed over the weekend that they were negotiating with United Arab Emirates investors, led by former France international Christophe Dominici, who are keen to return the side to former glories.
The Sydney Morning Herald on Monday said it was “a done deal” for former Leinster boss Cheika to join as coach if the takeover proceeded.
Other reports have named All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Beauden Barrett as players on Beziers’ radar.
Cheika quit as Wallabies coach in October after Australia’s humiliating 40-16 World Cup quarter-final exit against England and is currently a consultant with rugby league side Sydney Roosters.
Earlier this month, he told reporters he had been in Europe talking to people about opportunities, but nothing fitted so far.
He was most recently linked with the vacant job at English Premiership side Gloucester, but insisted he had “nothing to do with them”.
Cheika has a history of turning around under-performing clubs, notably Leinster and the NSW Waratahs, helping both win silverware.
Just spoke to Keith Barry and according to him Georgia will pull off a shock win at the Aviva!…
Hmmm…Rugby World Cup 2007, Ireland 14 Georgia 10, Georgia were leading 10-7 until Dempsey’s lucky try in the 55th minute? Remember that? Arrogant, disrespectful, complacent article. No international rugby team and no international test game should be taken for granted like this.
Derek, well said. Every team can be beaten.
Please media don’t turn irish rugby into England circa 2003 or Wales since then, media hyped so much everyone wants you to fail because you look arrogant.
Hmm…think I’m up for Georgia now…. Very arrogant article.
Not a fan of these kinda aricles Will..
..reeks of arrogance
Remember ESPN did something similar for the US Ryder Cup team when Europe looked down and out on final day 2 years ago..
Plus, how Galway only 25/1?! Should be double that
Considering the uproar about Bok TV’s scheduled add on Monday about beating Ireland, this a bit embarrassing.
This Ireland team are cute enough now to play their own game regardless of opposition & despite what bookies/journos say. Bookies weren’t too hot last week with the South Africa odds!
You can get about 75/1 at Betfair. Interestingly, a draw between Germany and Gibraltar is trading at around 150/1.
Mayo for sam