Cheika To Coach Stade Francais
Current Leinster supremo Michael Cheika has been announced as the new director of rugby at French club Stade Francais. He will take up his new position this summer.
Commenting on Michael Cheika’s appointment to the Stade Francais role, Leinster Chief Executive Michael Dawson said: “Having worked closely with Michael over the last five years, I know that he will be keen to focus on the upcoming challenges ahead in cementing our place at the top of the Magners League, while we also face into a home Heineken Cup quarter-final against Clermont Auvergne over the coming weeks.
“Michael has always been up front with his future plans which enabled us to make a smooth transition for next season and we thank him for that.
“We have no doubt that Stade Francais will benefit from his man management and motivational skills, not to mention his coaching prowess, which has overseen the province’s success in securing the Magners League and Heineken Cup titles over successive years.
“His pro-active nurturing of our up-and-coming talent in our Academy, coupled with the success of his signings in the transfer market, have helped Leinster become a more consistent force in both our domestic competition and in Europe and the province has benefited greatly from his leadership.
“Michael has instilled a culture of consistency, discipline and honesty and I have no doubt that he will bring these key principles to his new role.
“The focus for the squad now is on meeting the upcoming challenges over the next two-and-a-half months head on and I know how determined he is to finish his five year spell with Leinster on a high.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Michael, his wife Stephanie and his family the very best of luck as they begin an exciting new chapter in their lives next season.”