Michael Cheika leads the race to be the next Leicester Tigers king

Leicester Tigers are in advanced talks with former Australia coach Michael Cheika after they dramatically announced the sacking of head coach Dan McKellar.

Cheika has been looking for another job after leaving his job as Argentina head coach after they were beaten 26-23 in the bronze final by England earlier this season.

The Tigers initially overlooked the former Wallaby boss in favor of McKellar, who is now likely to be among the frontrunners to take over at the NSW Waratahs, a job Cheika has also been linked with.

Cheika, who has made millions selling jeans in the women’s fashion industry, is expected to be installed before most of the Tigers squad not away on international duty return to pre-season training on July 1.

The 57-year-old has also coached Lebanon at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, although he faced the Pumas for the autumn Test series and has plenty of experience at European clubs.

He began his coaching career in Italy with Petrarca Rugby before taking charge of Leinster, winning the Celtic League in 2008 and the Heineken Cup the following year before moving to Stade Francais.

The 2015 World Rugby Coach of the Year will have to win over the strong Tigers dressing room, something that many coaches who have taken over the club in the past have failed to do.

Cheika had recently discussed switching cross-codes to the NRL with the Parramatta Eels but was ruled out of the running for the job following the first round of interviews.

He was linked with a move to Gloucester four years ago and has been regularly linked with top 14 side Montpellier and could complete a deal to join the Tigers in the next 48-72 hours.