Australian Coach Michael Cheika Feels Unwelcome in English Rugby After Two-Match Ban
Michael Cheika, the newly appointed Leicester coach, has expressed his disappointment and frustration after being handed a two-match ban for allegedly disrespecting the independent matchday doctor. The incident occurred during his first game in charge, a Premiership clash at Exeter’s Sandy Park on September 21.
According to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel, Cheika was deemed to have been “overly aggressive with intense eye contact” when questioning the doctor’s decision to remove players from the game due to head injuries. The panel acknowledged that there was a “lack of clarity” surrounding the head injury protocols during the match.
Cheika, who has coached both Australia and Argentina, served the first match of his ban on Sunday, with the second match suspended until the end of the season. He feels that the punishment is unfair and has tarnished his reputation. “I’m really disappointed, I felt the decision wasn’t right… it hurts my reputation,” he said in an interview with British media.
The Australian coach hinted that he feels unwelcome in English club rugby, suggesting that the authorities are making an example of him. “I almost felt like they don’t really want me to be in the league here,” he added.
Leicester Rugby Club has accepted the RFU’s decision, although they disagree with the ruling. Cheika will return to the sidelines for next weekend’s Midlands derby against Northampton, where Leicester will be seeking their third win in four matches in the new Premiership season.
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