Sleep is precious for Lebanon coach Cheika in his cross-code challenge

Michael Cheika, the definition of a sporting paradox, has never been one for conventions. He's the rugged battle-scarred forward, who made his money as a fashion importer, a scowling no-nonsense player recalled by team-mates as a master sledger, who can flawlessly flip between five languages. Ad When the world was locked down in a pandemic, looking for passion projects to fill their hours, Chieka took things to extremes, the only person unsurprised, his ever-supportive wife Stephanie.

Rugby LeagueWelsh captain Kear inspired by school pals Bale and Warburton3 HOURS AGO Which is why he finds himself at the Rugby League World Cup coaching Lebanon, while also simultaneously guiding Argentina's rugby union team through an autumn campaign and performing his role as a director of rugby with Japanese side Green Rockets. Who needs one job when you can have three? No rest for the weary and all that. Cheika insists he's loving it, his demeanour so different from the shell-shocked coach who faced the media after the Wallabies lost to England at the Rugby Union World Cup, a defeat that preceded his resignation from what he'd called the 'dream job'.

«Sleep? I've had a bit,» he jokes, as he reflects on a potential schedule that would break most. Lebanon open their campaign against New Zealand in Warrington before further games with Ireland and Jamaica in Hull and Leigh. If they reach the quarter-finals there is the chance Cheika could be coaching Lebanon one day and Argentina against England at Twickenham 16 hours later.