Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika will depart on the finish of the season after deciding to not lengthen his contract with the membership.
Cheika, a former head coach of each Australia and Argentina, joined Leicester on a one-year deal final June.
“While disappointed, given the positive influence Michael has had since joining us in the summer, we were always aware of this being a one-year deal and we have been transparent with players, staff, and supporters on that point,” mentioned Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchen.
“As we have said throughout Michael’s tenure, we would have liked to have extended his time in the head coach role but understand why that can’t happen.”
“It goes without saying that Michael is fully committed to seeing out his time as head coach in a successful way, determined to add silverware to the trophy cabinet at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, and we are excited about what remains in this campaign.”
Hypothesis has already linked former Leicester prop and ex-Munster head coach Graham Rowntree as a possible successor.
On the method of discovering Cheika’s alternative, Pinchen added: “Knowing it was a one-year contract, the club has been running a recruitment process to find a suitable Head Coach replacement.”
