World news – CAF – Cheka takes over the position of Senior Rugby League coach

Former Wallabies coach Michael Chica will take on his first role as a head coach in the Rugby League, leading the Cedars of Lebanon team.

Cheika, whose parents are from Lebanon, will coach the Cedars in the Rugby World Cup in England next year after a successful spell in 2020 with Trent Robinson Coaching Group at Sydney Roosters.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me to do something that represents the land my parents came from,” she told News Corp..

NSW Origin coach Brad Vettler was at the helm during the last Lebanese Rugby World Cup campaign.

The Sheikha said he was crying with joy as he watched Lebanon qualify for the 2017 quarter-finals.

« This tournament was an opportunity to show a little Lebanese culture not only to Australians but to everyone who was watching it on television, » he said.

“Sport has the power to bring people together. It brings out the best in people. I would watch those matches, sometimes jumping elated and crying.

“There is something about being Lebanese that you just can’t put your finger on. I was born here but when I went there as an adult the first time we landed in Beirut, I really felt a strong connection to the place..

The 53-year-old recently took a coaching role with the Argentine national rugby team, but was enthusiastic about the challenge of taking on opponent law, having played in the league growing up.

“I’m still ambitious as a coach because I love him, and I can’t help him. I’m here with Argentina now because I love him. I just want it to unfold naturally. Being with the Roosters, it was insightful but I’ll listen to each day as it comes and see what happens from there, ‘he said.

“The NRL in particular is a huge challenge. It’s something we don’t see as rugby coaches in the Southern Hemisphere – 24 games in a row and then finals – it’s a marathon, and it’s a different approach to training for 14 Super Rugby matches and 15 Test matches over a sporadic period.

« There are technical differences between the symbols but the intent is still the same, it’s a contact sport.

« I grew up playing League and was an avid fan of the game and learned the technical side of things in the Roosters..

Michael Sheikha, Australian National Rugby Union Team, New Zealand National Rugby Union Team, Rugby World Cup, Rugby Ball, Head Coach, Lebanon, Argentina National Rugby Federation Team