‘Win the biggest trophies’: Michael Cheika’s goal for Leicester

The former Australia and Argentina head coach starts work on Monday as pre-season begins and Leicester will hope his arrival ends a long period of turmoil.

Apart from winning the Premiership title in 2022 with current England boss Steve Borthwick at the helm, success at Welford Road has been elusive: Leicester finished eighth in the league last season.

“I want Leicester to compete on as many fronts as we can,” said Cheika.

“It’s just one step at a time, together, building the foundations.

“Every player and every team wants to win trophies – you don’t play if you don’t want to win.

“But there’s a difference between wanting to win and doing what it takes to win. I will do this.

“English teams have been well represented in Europe’s top tier for some time and we want to get there as well, making sure Leicester are back in contention for the biggest trophies.”

Cheika held talks with Leicester a year ago as part of the recruitment process that led to McKellar’s appointment.

The 57-year-old coached Lebanon at the 2021 Rugby World Cup and also spent time at the Sydney Roosters as an assistant.

His most recent rugby spell was leading Argentina to fourth place at the 2023 World Cup, while taking Australia to the finals in 2015 and the last eight four years later.

At club level he won the European Cup with Leinster and the Super Rugby title with the NSW Waratahs.

“I wasn’t watching the Premiership and had no desire to coach until Leicester came to me,” he said.

“But the opportunity to coach at the Tigers and lead this group of players turned my head.

“I want this to be my best coach so far. I want the preparation and the way we lead the team to be at my best.

“If I can bring my best level, other people will bring their best level and good things will start to happen.”

Leicester chief executive Andrea Pinchen admitted the off-season disruption to the coaching staff – assistant Dan Palmer also left this week – was unsatisfactory.

“I accept that last week is not what the fans expected – and neither were we – but the decisions we have taken are for the long-term benefit of Leicester,” Pinchen said.

“After long, detailed and very frank discussions with Michael over the last few days, we are on the same page as to what is now required to see this club back to the top.”