Former Wallabies duo reunite with Michael Cheika at NSW Waratahs

Former Wallabies forwards Stephen Hoiles and Wycliffe Palu have signed two-year deals with the NSW Waratahs, joining the coaching staff led by new boss Michael Cheika ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Cheika coached the Waratahs to the first-ever men’s Super Rugby title in 2014, with the Sydney-based side claiming a nail-biting one-point win over the Crusaders. Hoiles and Palu started in the backrow for the New South Wales side that evening in the Harbour City.

Hoiles made more than 100 Super Rugby appearances across stints with the Brumbies and Tahs, and featured in 16 Wallabies Tests. The 44-year-old has since embarked on a successful coaching career, which has included stints both in Australia and abroad.

The Wallaby coached the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby, has been part of the Australia Sevens program, and took charge of Shute Shield side Randwick for two seasons. Randwick brought an end to a 20-year wait for the Shute Shield title under Hoiles in 2023.

Most recently, Hoiles has been back in the United States with the California Legion, who made the MLR Championship game against the Chicago Hounds. USA Eagles captain Jason Damm and former NFL draftee Cassh Maluia were among the players who starred for the Legion.

Palu is widely considered a Wallabies great, going to three Rugby World Cups and playing in 58 Tests for Australia’s national team. The former backrower made 139 appearances at Super Rugby level, with the fifth-most of any Waratah in the competition.

“I’ve grown up playing all my junior rugby in NSW. The Waratahs have always been the team you aspire to play for and it’s the same as a coach,” Hoiles said.

“It’s a nice moment and it’s a bit of a full circle moment to come back and get this opportunity. It’s a really important part of Australian Rugby’s ecosystem, making sure the Waratahs are performing on and off the field.

“It feels good to be back. I’m looking forward to planning and getting started for the 2027 season, which is going to be a really important one for the state of NSW.”

Palu added: “I’m really excited to be coming back to the Waratahs,” Palu said.

“It is a club that means a lot to me and has played a massive part not only in my rugby journey, but also my life. So to have the opportunity to come back as a coach is pretty special.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with the players, working alongside the staff and giving back to a club I love.”