Michael Cheika adds NRL legend to Leicester Tigers ticket with Eddie Jones ‘blessing’

Leicester Tigers boss Michael Cheika has added NRL legend and ex-colleague from his Argentina tenure, David Kidwell, to his backroom staff for the season run-in.

The 47-year-old, who is currently an assistant coach with Japan working under Eddie Jones, will arrive at the club ahead of their return to Premiership action in March.

Kidwell will join Cheika’s coaching team for the remainder of the 2024/25 season as they look to keep pushing upwards from their current fourth spot in the standings.

NRL Premiership winner

Before joining Los Pumas in 2022, Kidwell worked as an assistant coach in rugby league at the Parramatta Eels (2018-22), New Zealand (2014-16), Wests Tigers (2013-16) and Melbourne Storm (2011-13). In 2016, he took over as head coach of New Zealand for 10 matches. While with Melbourne, the Storm secured the NRL Premiership in 2012.

Regarded as one of the greatest New Zealanders to have played rugby league, Kidwell made more than 250 senior outings in a 13-year career in the NRL and Super League.

He represented the Kiwis on 25 occasions and played for South Sydney Rabbitohs, Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters, Warrington Wolves, Parramatta Eels and Adelaide Rams.

He was a member of the Premiership-winning Roosters team in 2002 and Kiwis squad who won the 2008 Rugby League World Cup and Cheika is thrilled to work with him again.

“It’s great to be able to have someone of David’s experience in coaching join us and, as well as that, he brings a unique perspective on the game that will offer a valuable, new point of view,” said Cheika.

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“Having worked with him before, I know what positives he will bring into our environment and that extends beyond just the players to the coaches and staff with the experience and knowledge he can pass on to them to help us improve.

“David was a tough player, successful player and both of those mindsets are going to be important for us to have for the remainder of this season.”

On the opportunity to join Leicester Tigers, Kidwell said: “Not only is it an opportunity to enhance my coaching but also one to do at a big club and a successful club, that are looking to add to that success this season.

“I love winning and want to keep winning, wherever I am, and I would not have said yes to Cheik if I didn’t think there was a chance of winning. The Premiership is a tough competition and Tigers are in the mix at the top and I want to help the players and coaches get even better.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity with Argentina and Michael and it will be good to connect again in Leicester. I’m grateful to be able to go with the blessing of Japan and Eddie Jones, who has told me to embrace the club, competition, learn all I can and bring it back at the end of the season.”

Eddie Jones comment

Japan head coach Jones, who spent time at Leicester Tigers as a player and worked closely with the club during his tenure in charge of the England national team, added: “We see this as great chance for Dave to learn from Cheik and continue his rugby development.

“You get better at coaching by coaching and so we are grateful for the opportunity for Dave at Leicester Tigers.”

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