England’s rugby league side is set to get some top-tier input as Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika joins up with the squad for their opening Test against Samoa today, according to Love Rugby League.
Cheika, 57, has built a global reputation as a high-caliber rugby union coach, with stints guiding the Wallabies and, most recently, taking charge at Leicester.
But he’s no stranger to the league game either, having led Lebanon to the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals two years back and previously worked with NRL heavyweights the Sydney Roosters.
Now, Cheika’s Tigers are roaring in the Premiership, coming off a nail-biting 32-29 win over Saracens—a fifth win out of six that places them just a point behind league leaders Bath.
This afternoon, Cheika is expected at Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium, where he’ll meet with England head coach Shaun Wane. This high-profile link-up reportedly came together after Cheika reached out via cross-code icon Freddie Tuilagi, with a little help from Wigan legend Martin Offiah.
Will Cheika’s tactical nous add fire to England’s bid to start the series on a high? We’ll find out soon enough.
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The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
