Cross-Cultural Encounters in Post-Soviet Russia

In this episode, Michael Cheika opens up about the early years that shaped him — from his childhood and first taste of sport to the drive that led him into professional rugby. He reflects on his rise through the coaching ranks, the lessons learned from international roles, and the mindset needed to build world-class teams. He also dives into his time in the fashion world and shares stories from his wild travels around the globe.

We talk about cultural differences in sport, what separates good players from great ones, and why the mentality of champions like Lionel Messi resonates across all codes. Cheika also breaks down his philosophy on preparation, performance, and the future of rugby in Australia.

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