ENGLISH RUGBY GIANTS Leicester have said head coach Michael Cheika will leave at the end of the season after he opted 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 European 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.
“Cheika joined the club ahead of the current campaign on a one-year deal.”
Chief executive Andrea Pinchen said the club had wanted the former Australia and Argentina coach — who guided the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby 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.”
Former Leicester prop and ex-Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has been touted as a potential successor.
Leicester are fourth in the Premiership table and have reached the last 16 of the European Champions Cup.
We could certainly be doing with a Ferris or two in the green jersey nowadays. One of the best ever to wear the jersey. Pity career ended prematurely. I do enjoy him on the punditry. Very honest.
@Ray Ridge: So powerful, quality player indeed, thought he started his punditry on the bitter side, taken some time for the competitor in him to fade a little, he’s decent enough now tho in fairness.
He would have made any world 15 in his prime, absolutely quality player. Such a shame his career ended so early
When on form and injury free he was up there with Kaino as the best no.6 in the world.
Is Impactful code for always injured?
@Spailpeen Farrell: stupid comment. He was a class player
@Spailpeen Farrell: Always injured? Yes injury blighted the last year or so for him, but always injured, that’s a laugh. The reckless way he put himself about was possibly what didn’t help him have a long career but he never went missing in games and without needing to talk about what irishness meant to him he did his bit and more for the game here. Top class 6.
What a brilliant player – such a shame he had to retire so early. Always thought he could have managed himself a little better in terms of injuries, but guess that was just the competitor in him / always wanted to be back out in the thick of it.
I train at the same gym as him nowadays and hes STILL a beast!
Jaysis Ireland really had a glorious chance in 2011 to win the World Cup. Full panel of players to chose from……..Welsh defence was unreal that day though
Not sure we played New Zealand in Croker in 2010, think it was Aviva Stadium.