Wallabies coach Michael Cheika’s contract has been extended until after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The Australian Rugby Union announced on Thursday that the World Rugby Coach of the Year had agreed to stay on as head coach for at least another two years after his current contract expires at the end of 2017.

Cheika took over the role after predecessor Ewan McKenzie resigned from the position in October 2014, and within 12 months had won the 2015 Rugby Championship and led the side to the World Cup final against New Zealand.

‘I never imagined I would be in the position of coaching Australia and feel extremely honoured to have the opportunity to continue on for the next period though to the end of the 2019 World Cup in Japan,’ Cheika said. ‘It is a privilege to be associated with the people involved with our national team and playing my part in establishing the Wallabies identity for the years to come and for many years after that.’

The 49-year-old has had a successful coaching career, winning the 2014 Super Rugby tournament with the Waratahs and the European Cup with Leinster in 2008-09. He has also coached Top 14 side Stade Français.

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