Rugby Australia (RA) is opening up its budget to let Michael Cheika pursue more high-profile signings after he was formally reintroduced as coach of the NSW Waratahs.
Cheika has responded to RA's call for help, returning about 13 years after he led the struggling team to their only Super Rugby title.
The 59-year-old accepted a two-year contract following a successful period as an assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
"The NSW Waratahs have always occupied a special place for me-it's my home state-and I feel ready to return as their head coach ahead of an important year for the Waratahs and also for Australian rugby in the lead up to the home World Cup in 2027," said Cheika.
Previously, he became the first coach to guide teams to major trophies in both the northern and southern hemispheres, leading Leinster to European Cup victory in 2009.
Cheika's task now is to reverse the Waratahs' concerning downfall.
Despite having a roster filled with Wallabies talent, the historic and prestigious club has been absent from the Super Rugby Pacific finals for the last three seasons.
"He's a proven winner and has a really good track record of success," BJ Mather, the Tahs high-performance manager, stated on Wednesday.
"While we don't want to keep referring back to 2014, he's the last Waratahs head coach to secure the Super Rugby title, so he sees an opportunity here to rebuild and bring success back."
Dan McKellar was released from his role with a year remaining on his contract, coming off two disappointing seasons after taking over from Darren Coleman in late 2024.
Mather anticipates that Cheika will seek immediate results.
"He's got a good track record of that, hasn't he? He typically sees quick improvements when he joins a club," he noted.
"Cheik likely believes he can achieve that performance boost soon; for the Waratahs and Australian rugby as a whole, success is essential."
Cheika previously guided the Wallabies to their last World Cup final in 2015 and will reunite with his 2014 championship-winning halves, Bernard Foley and Nic Phipps, who were announced as marquee signings last week.
He'll also have talents like Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii and Max Jorgensen, along with Roosters recruit Angus Crighton, in his Waratahs lineup next season.
However, Mather mentioned that Cheika can still pursue additional star players if he sees fit.
"We can certainly target more players. If there's someone available who aligns with his vision, we'll definitely make an effort," Mather stated regarding the Waratahs' salary cap.
"We want to improve and win games. We understand that, and we'll do everything we can to achieve success."
Cheika's exit from the Wallabies was swift and controversial, following their quarter-final loss at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
"They say time heals all wounds," Mather added.
"It's been a long time since he left, and a lot has happened since then.
So when his name came up, there weren't significant concerns raised to prevent those discussions."
Cheika will officially rejoin the Waratahs in November after coaching Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup.