Michael Cheika joins Japan's Green Rockets as director of rugby

Japanese Top League club Green Rockets has announced the appointment of former Australia coach Michael Cheika as the new director of rugby.

Cheika, who has over 20-year experience in coaching has worked with Petrarca Padova, Randwick, Stade Francais and New South Wales Waratahs before joining as Australia head coach in 2014.

Under the 54-year-old, the Wallabies went on to reach the final of the 2015 World Cup where they went on to lose the eventual champions New Zealand but went on to leave the role post the 2019 World Cup in Japan following which he took a role with rugby league side Sydney Roosters as an assistant coach.

In 2020, Cheika joined Argentina in an advisory role as the Pumas went on to beat the All Blacks with a 25-15 margin during the tri-nations Rugby Championship last year.

"I'm very excited to be joining NEC in this new role," said Cheika in a statement released by the club.

"Together with the company, the coaches and the players we will aspire to bring back the DNA of the NEC Green Rockets to bring pride and enjoyment to the whole NEC community.

"I look forward to working hard together with everyone to orchestrate a brighter world for NEC rugby and rugby in Japan."

Green Rockets endured a tough a time this season as they finished at the bottom of Conference White after losing all their seven matches in the league stage.