Overview

• Michael Cheika, former Wallabies coach from 2014 to 2019, was seen meeting Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh in Sydney, fueling speculation about his potential return to the role.
• Rugby Australia has confirmed it is finalizing a shortlist of candidates to replace Joe Schmidt, who will step down after the Rugby Championship in October 2025.
• Cheika, currently coaching Leicester Tigers, has expressed interest in the Wallabies role and is also reportedly being considered for the Wales head coach position.
• Other candidates for the Wallabies coaching position include Australian Super Rugby coaches Les Kiss, Dan McKellar, and Stephen Larkham, as well as La Rochelle's Ronan O'Gara.
• Rugby Australia aims to announce Schmidt's successor within weeks, with the new coach tasked with preparing the team for a northern hemisphere tour starting in late October.