Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika will leave at the end of the season after deciding not to extend his contract with the club.
Cheika, a former head coach of both Australia and Argentina, joined Leicester on a one-year deal last 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,” said 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.”
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“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.”
Speculation has already linked former Leicester prop and ex-Munster head coach Graham Rowntree as a potential successor.
On the process of finding Cheika’s replacement, Pinchen added: “Knowing it was a one-year contract, the club has been running a recruitment process to find a suitable Head Coach replacement.”
