Ex Leinster head-coach Michael Cheika says he's "very excited" to become the new Director of Rugby at Japan’s Green Rockets.
The 54-year-old, who won the Heineken Cup during his time in Dublin, was named World Rugby coach of the year after steering Australia to the final at the 2015 World Cup.
Cheika departed the Wallabies following their loss to England at the 2019 World Cup and has since worked as a consultant with Argentina and Lebanon's rugby league side.
He arrives to a Green Rockets team which finished bottom of their conference this season, having lost all seven of their matches.
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“I am very excited to be joining NEC in this new role,” Cheika said of his appointment.
“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.”
England coach Eddie Jones is currently working as a consultant to Beaudon Barrett's Suntory Sungoliath while former All-Blacks boss Steve Hansen is working with Toyota Verblitz.
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