Michael Cheika will depart the Sydney Roosters after the 2026 NRL season, as he has been appointed head coach of the NSW Waratahs starting in 2027.
This transition back to union means Trent Robinson will lose another coach, following the recent appointment of long-time assistant Matt King as the new NSW Blues coach.
Cheika only joined the Roosters before the 2026 season as their forwards coach, bringing a distinct perspective from his extensive experience in rugby union.
His influence has coincided with an exceptional season at Bondi, where the Roosters are currently leading the NRL ladder and are in pursuit of another premiership as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Cheika will continue with the Roosters through their premiership run before taking on his new role with the Waratahs in November.
For Cheika, this appointment is a return to a familiar role; he previously led the Waratahs to their first Super Rugby championship in 2014.
At 59, he went on to coach the Wallabies, securing The Rugby Championship title and reaching the Rugby World Cup final in 2015, followed by a stint with Argentina that saw them into the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup.
His brief time in the NRL has added to an already impressive coaching résumé, but the Roosters will now have to find a replacement for his expertise in Robinson's coaching team after just one season.
Robinson remarked on Cheika's contributions, highlighting his work with the forwards and his ability to foster relationships within the team.
"Cheik has brought a huge amount to the group this year. His knowledge and experience are obvious, but it's his passion for coaching and his ability to connect with people that have really stood out," Robinson stated.
Cheika has emphasized that his short-term focus remains with the Roosters, as a potential premiership still awaits before he transitions back to rugby union.
However, his exit will require the Roosters to undergo a substantial shake-up of their coaching staff in 2027, as both Cheika and King prepare to embark on prominent head coaching roles elsewhere.