‘We’ve had a rough trot’: Who is the coach to turn the Waratahs around?

The Waratahs, New South Wales' professional rugby union team in Australia's Super Rugby competition, endured a challenging 2023 season that left both the team and its supporters disheartened. With only three wins from nineteen matches, the team finished last in the Australian conference and overall second-last in the competition. This disappointing performance has led to intense speculation about who could be the right candidate to turn the team's fortunes around.

One name that has been frequently mentioned in connection with the Waratahs' coaching position is Michael Cheika. Cheika, who previously coached the Wallabies (the Australian national team) between 2014 and 2019, has expressed his desire to return to coaching in Australia. During his tenure with the Wallabies, he led them to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final and helped them reach the number one ranking in the world in 2016.

Another potential candidate is Rob Penney, who has extensive experience in Super Rugby as both a player and a coach. Penney has previously coached the Crusaders in New Zealand and the Force in Western Australia. He has been credited with turning around the Forte's form in 2019, helping them secure their first finals appearance since 2008.

A third option could be Dave Rennie, who currently coaches the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland's Pro14 competition. Rennie has previously coached the Chiefs in New Zealand's Super Rugby and the Waikato Chiefs in the ITM Cup (New Zealand's domestic rugby competition). He has a reputation for developing young talent and instilling a strong team culture.

It's important to note that these are just potential candidates, and no official announcement has been made regarding who will be the next coach of the Waratahs. The New South Wales Rugby Union (NSW Rugby) will be conducting a thorough recruitment process to find the best candidate for the role.

In conclusion, the Waratahs' disappointing 2023 Super Rugby season has left many questioning who can lead the team back to success. Michael Cheika, Rob Penney, and Dave Rennie are just a few of the names being mentioned as potential candidates for the coaching position. Ultimately, NSW Rugby will be looking for someone with a proven track record of success and the ability to motivate and develop the team's talent.