Welsh duo are firmly in Kingsholm job frame
HOPES of seeing a Robert Howley-Dai Young coaching team at Gallagher Premiership giants Gloucester have increased after former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika played down links with the vacant job at Kingsholm.
The former Leinster chief quit as Wallabies coach in October after Australia’s humiliating Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit against England and is currently a consultant with rugby league side Sydney Roosters.
Recent reports have put Cheika among the leading candidates for the West Country hot seat after South African Johan Ackermann resigned last month to join Japanese side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.
His departure was closely followed by the exit of former Ireland international David Humphreys as their director of rugby, increasing speculation of a Howley-Young team taking over at the Cherry and Whites.
Former England coach Stuart Lancaster and Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill have also been linked to the job and Gloucester are expected to make an announcement in early July.
But Cheika told rugby.com. au: “I haven’t had anything to do with them.
“They’ve always been a good team, I only know of them as an opponent.
“It’s nothing I’m involved with at the moment.”
Cheika said he had been to Europe talking to people about opportunities, but nothing fitted so far.
“For me, the important thing for next is making sure it’s the right people that I get to work with, right club and that it’s the right time for someone like me,” he said.
“Coaches don’t always fit. “You want to be the right person and for it be a team that will use the skill sets short to medium term.”