Michael Cheika appointed NEC Green Rockets Director of Rugby

Top League side NEC Green Rockets have announced that former Australian coach Michael Cheika has been appointed Director of Rugby.

In a statement, the club said, "NEC Green Rockets will carry out major reforms for the new league. 

"Among them, first of all, when rebuilding the team vision, concept, etc. and building the team from scratch, it is a long time to create the same way of fighting NEC Green Rockets with the director of rugby with abundant achievements at the top.

"We decided that it was necessary from the perspective of the team, and we were appointed by Michael Cheika. Based on our abundant knowledge and experience, we will work together to create new NEC Green Rockets."

Cheika added: "I am very excited to be joining NEC in this new role. 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.

"I am delighted to be a member of NEC by taking on a new role. Together with the NEC company, coaches and players, we will do our best to regain the DNA of the NEC Green Rockets and bring pride and rugby fun to the NEC community. I look forward to working hard with everyone in the team and community for the further development of NEC Rugby and the Japanese rugby world."

Cheika has been a coach for strong teams such as Leinster (Ireland), Stade Francais (France) and New South Wales Waratahs (Australia), and was appointed head coach for Australia in 2014. 

The following year, at the Rugby World Cup 2015 held in England, he demonstrated his skills and led the team to runner-up, winning the World Rugby Coach of the Year Award.