I'm at Tigers for the long haul - Cheika

TROUBLE-shooter Michael Cheika has told Leicester fans he is not just a quick fix merchant and is hoping to be in it for the long haul in the Midlands.

- ADAM HATHAWAY

The Australian was appointed as Tigers boss on a one-season deal in the summer when the shock departure of Dan McKellar was announced.

The Leicester head-hunters, led by CEO Andrea Pinchen, had to act swiftly and Cheika, a renowned fire-fighter, and a previous target for the club, was in position for the first day of pre-season in July.

The Midlanders had a torrid time last season when, weakened by World Cup call-ups, they finished eighth in the Premiership, scraping into this season's Champions Cup.

Cheika, right, who had been approached previously by Leicester, is convinced he has the know how to turn things around at Welford Road after coaching for 25 years all over the world including stints with the Waratahs, Leinster, Australia and Argentina.

The 57-year-old is still living in a Leicester hotel, with his family back in Australia, but is eyeing a more permanent shift in the Premiership.

"I would like to think that is going to be a longstanding thing once I can get personal things worked out," said Cheika. "I feel like we are already feeling more stable around what is important and what we need to get done now and what we can prioritise."