Cheika will be good for Tigers - Richards

DEAN Richards, the most decorated coach in Leicester Tigers' history, has given Michael Cheika's appointment the big thumbs up.

- JON NEWCOMBE

Cheika this week became Leicester's 14th head coach, and the fifth Australian of the Premiership era, after signing a twoyear deal to succeed countryman Dan McKellar.

The 57-year-old from Sydney joins Tigers after a two-year stint as head coach of Argentina, who he led to fourth place at the 2023 World Cup.

Tigers have turned to Cheika following the surprise departure of McKellar after just one season of mediocrity ended in an eighth-place finish in the Premiership table.

Disagreements between McKellar and senior players over the direction of the team moving forward are believed to be behind the parting of the ways, which has also led to the exit of scrum coach, Dan Palmer.

With his sometimes unorthodox ways and proven motivational skills, Cheika will bring fire and brimstone to the Premiership and Richards, who led Tigers to four consecutive league titles and back-toback European Cups either side of the Millennium, believes he is a good fit.