Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is reportedly in contention to become the new head coach of French super club Montpellier.

Cheika coached the Wallabies from 2014 to 2019 and was recently appointed as head coach of Lebanon’s rugby league team.

But according to reputable French sports publication Midi Olympique, Montpellier – owned by French billionaire Mohed Altrad – are interested in the Australian as a replacement for former Les Bleus Test star Xavier Garbajosa, who was sacked late last month.

Cheika, who speaks French fluently, previously played in France for Castres and Stade Francais between 1989 and 1992 and coached Stade between 2010 and 2012 before returning to Australia to guide the Waratahs to their first and only Vodacom Super Rugby title.

After his sacking as Wallabies boss, Cheika assisted Argentina coach Mario Ledesma during the 2020 Tri Nations.

The report linking him to Montpellier suggests Cheika is the top contender for the job and is expected to take up the role this coming June.

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