Michael Cheika has never been one for conventional methods. Whether it’s smashing mirrors, handing out dog tags, or swinging golf clubs, the Leicester Tigers head coach has built a career on using bold symbolism to rally his players — and it’s working.
As Leicester prepare to take on Sale Sharks in Saturday’s Premiership semi-final, Cheika is once again drawing on instinct and emotion to inspire a title push.
> “People think too much,” Cheika told BBC Sport. “When you overthink, it stops you from doing.”
From gifting golf drivers engraved with personal messages to his Waratahs squad before a Super Rugby final, to smashing a mirror with a sledgehammer in the Wallabies’ dressing room at the 2015 World Cup, Cheika’s motivational style is all about symbolism. The message? Swing big. Break barriers. Fight together.
Now at Leicester, he’s staying true to that philosophy.
Earlier this season, before a must-win clash against Bristol Bears, Cheika planted a massive Tigers flag before kick-off. It was a not-so-subtle challenge to his players: reclaim your ground. Reignite your pride.
“These moments bring teams together,” he said. “They start out fun, maybe even silly — but they become powerful.”
