Cheika may be fined for remark

Michael Cheika could still end up in hot water for his swearing outburst, with a Six Nations discipline officer still determining whether the Wallabies coach will be punished for bringing the game into disrepute.

And there is a precedent from earlier this year that could see the Wallabies coach hit with a fine in the vicinity of $50,000.

During Australia’s 30-6 defeat to England, television cameras picked up Cheika in the coaches box appearing to say the words ‘‘f...... cheats’’ after a Michael Hooper try was disallowed.

A reporter asked Cheika about the comment after the match and he was not too pleased with the line of questioning, believing there was an agenda to push him into criticising officials.

Cheika has faced a backlash since the ‘‘cheats’’ comment was shown live by Sky Sports, with many people believing it is not an example a Wallabies coach should be setting.

As per the tour agreement, discipline and misconduct issues from the spring tour matches is under the jurisdiction of the Six Nations not World Rugby. The Six Nations is still looking into the matter even though it did not issue a statement yesterday some 24 hours after the match had been completed.

‘‘The designated discipline officer is aware of it [Cheika’s comment] and will be considering what course of action to take,’’ said a Six Nations spokesperson.