Michael Cheika the man to lead Australia through to the 2019 World Cup, says ARU
The embattled coach has the backing of his board despite the Wallabies losing nine matches this year
Michael Cheika has been backed by the Australian Rugby Union to remain as Wallabies coach until after the 2019 Rugby World Cup at least, despite leading the team to nine losses this year.
The former New South Wales Waratahs coach signed a contract extension in May through until the global showpiece in Japan, just months after his side made last year’s final against the All Blacks.
Since then, the Wallabies have been hammered 3-0 by a resurgent England at home, thrashed by the All Blacks three times and also lost to Ireland and a poor South Africa side.
ARU boss Bill Pulver said the coach still had his confidence.
“Believe me, Michael Cheika is under no pressure. None whatsoever,” Pulver said in Perth on Wednesday, where he confirmed the city would host its first Bledisloe Cup test against the All Blacks in 2019.
“He’s the coach through to 2019, and there’s no one better to do the job.”