Report: Cheika to stay put as Los Pumas coach

NEWS: Former Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika is reportedly eager to prolong his role as Los Pumas head coach until the end of the next World Cup.

After joining the Argentina national side as an assistant under Mario Ledesma, Cheika took control of the side after Ledesma decided to step down after 2021.

Under Cheika’s watch, Argentina qualified for the World Cup semifinals after beating Wales at the quarterfinal stage. They narrowly missed out on bronze after losing to England in the third place playoff.

Following the World Cup, there has been speculation that Cheika might step down as Argentina’s head coach.

However, according to Ole Rugby the 56-year-old has notified the Unión de Rugby Argentina (UAR) of his desire to coach through the next World Cup.

The report aslo revealed that the UAR have signalled that they want to keep him.

“We proposed to Cheika that he train until the end of the World Cup and organize the staff,” Gabriel Travaglini, president of the UAR, told Ole Rugby.

“He complied with that and intends to stay, so now we are analyzing it. We are making the best effort to have the best structure to face the next World Cup.”

Former Argentina international Felipe Contepomi, who is an assistant under Cheika, was originally earmarked to succeed the Australian.

Contepomi, is believed to be happy with his role and would stay on under Cheika, along with the rest of his coaching staff.

Argentina has a strong schedule in 2024 opening with two Tests at home against France in the July window.

A typically tough Rugby Championship will follow with two Tests away against New Zealand and a home and away series with South Africa. They will play Australia at home twice.

In the November window, they are scheduled to play Italy, Ireland, and France.

Rugbypass