Michael Cheika
Overview
Michael Cheika is one of rugby’s most experienced coaches, and has worked at the highest level across both codes and both hemispheres. He has won the Heineken Cup with Leinster and Super Rugby with the NSW Waratahs, and coached the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final. He will return to the Waratahs as head coach in 2027, a dozen years after leading them to their only Super Rugby title.
Who is Michael Cheika?
A former number eight, Michael Cheika played for Australia at under-21 level, captained Randwick and played club rugby in France and Italy. He took over as Leinster head coach in 2005, winning the 2008 Celtic League and leading the club to its first Heineken Cup title in 2009. After a spell at Stade Français, he returned home to coach the NSW Waratahs to the 2014 Super Rugby title.
Appointed Wallabies head coach in 2014, he guided Australia to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final. He later coached Argentina, leading Los Pumas to the semi-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and in the 2024–25 season took Leicester Tigers to the Premiership final.
Michael has also made his mark in rugby league. He took Lebanon to the quarter-finals of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and is coaching the Cedars again at the 2026 tournament. In 2026 he joined the Sydney Roosters’ coaching staff, helping the club to the NRL premiership. In August 2026 he was announced as NSW Waratahs head coach from the 2027 season.
Career highlights
Heineken Cup winner with Leinster, 2009
Super Rugby champion with the NSW Waratahs, 2014
Wallabies head coach, 2015 Rugby World Cup finalist
Argentina head coach, 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-finalist
Led Leicester Tigers to the 2024–25 Premiership final
Lebanon rugby league head coach, 2021 Rugby League World Cup quarter-finalist
Assistant coach, Sydney Roosters, 2026 NRL premiers
NSW Waratahs head coach from 2027
Key speaking themes
Leadership and building high-performance teams
Turning teams around and creating a winning culture
Leading across cultures and countries
Resilience, pressure and the highs and lows of elite sport
Adapting to change and new environments
Ideal for
Leadership and CEO conferences
Sales kick-offs and team offsites
High-performance and culture events
Sports and community events
Multicultural and international business events
Awards nights and gala dinners
Frequently asked questions
What does Michael Cheika speak about?
Michael Cheika speaks about leadership, team culture, high performance, resilience and leading across cultures.
What is Michael Cheika’s current role?
Michael Cheika is coaching Lebanon at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and will take over as NSW Waratahs head coach from the 2027 Super Rugby season.
What has Michael Cheika won as a coach?
Michael Cheika won the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2009 and the Super Rugby title with the NSW Waratahs in 2014. He also coached the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.
Which national teams has Michael Cheika coached?
Michael Cheika has coached the Wallabies and Argentina in rugby union, and Lebanon in rugby league.
How do I book Michael Cheika as a speaker?
Michael Cheika is available to book through Essential Talent. Call 0508 825 368 or use the enquiry form on this page.