Exclusive: Michael Cheika to link up with England squad for opening Samoa Test

Eddie Jones set to take Cheika into England camp as part of spying mission

Michael Cheika is in line to join the England coaching staff for their opening Test against Samoa next month as part of a spying mission, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

Eddie Jones keen to gain inside knowledge of Wallabies ahead of World Cup

The Wallabies are England’s pool opponents at next year’s World Cup in France and Jones is keen to gain inside knowledge of their set-up by having the former Australia coach, who is now director of rugby at Argentine club Los Jaguares, involved in the build-up to the match in Sydney on July 8.

Cheika, who coached the Wallabies from 2014 to 2019, has been a long-time friend of Jones and the pair have worked together in the past.

Cheika was part of Jones’ coaching team for the Barbarians when they played the Wallabies in 2010 and he was also a consultant for the England team during their tour of Australia in 2016.

Cheika’s role with England will be to provide Jones with an in-depth analysis of the Wallabies’ strengths and weaknesses.

He will also be able to give Jones an insight into the Wallabies’ mindset and how they are likely to approach the game.

Cheika’s appointment is a sign of the importance that Jones is placing on next year’s World Cup.

England have not won the World Cup since 2003 and Jones is determined to end that drought in France next year.

Cheika’s presence in the England camp will also be a valuable learning experience for the Wallabies.

The Wallabies are looking to improve their performance after a disappointing 2022 season.

They finished sixth in the Rugby Championship and were beaten by England in the autumn.

Cheika’s knowledge of English rugby will be invaluable as the Wallabies look to rebuild ahead of the World Cup.