Michael Cheika vital to Leicester success, says Ben Youngs as Tigers set up Bath Gallagher Premiership Final clash with win over Sale - 'What a guy'
Published 13/06/2025 at 07:22 GMT+1
Ben Youngs described Michael Cheika as "phenomenal" following Leicester Tigers' 21-16 win over Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs. The scrum-half said the Australian is "one of the best coaches I’ve come across" after Leicester booked their spot in next weekend's final against Bath. Cheika is on a one-year deal at Leicester in Youngs' final season of professional rugby.
‘So glad I did another year’ – Youngs reacts after Leicester book spot in Premiership Final
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ben Youngs said Michael Cheika is "one of the best coaches I’ve come across" after Leicester Tigers’ victory over Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs.
Leicester booked their place in next weekend’s final against Bath at Twickenham thanks to a 21-16 triumph over Sale at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
It comes after a vastly improved league campaign under Cheika, with Leicester securing second place in the standings, having finished eighth last season.
The Australian has given himself one shot at Premiership glory after confirming in January he would not be extending his one-year deal at the end of the season.
Youngs, who is retiring at the end of the campaign, has said he feels "so lucky" to have played under the 58-year-old in his final season of professional rugby.
Speaking to TNT Sports at full-time, the Leicester scrum-half said: "Michael Cheika's been phenomenal, honestly. One of the best coaches I’ve come across. What a guy.
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Highlights: Leicester battle past Sale to reach Premiership Final
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"He’s been here for one season, and honestly, I feel so lucky. I nearly canned it last year. I’m so glad I did another year with him. He’s been absolutely awesome."
When asked whether Cheika’s appointment played a role in him not retiring at the end of last season, Youngs replied: "You just want someone to come in with some presence and someone you can believe in straight away, and he’s certainly that.
"He captivated the group immediately. He’s been there, he’s done it, and someone you can get behind straight away. It's a shame it's only one year. He's done a remarkable job of the season."
Leicester started the semi-final strongly and established a 13-3 lead at the break following a dominant first half thanks to a pair of stellar Adam Radwan tries.
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‘That is a sensation!’ – Watch as Radwan takes ‘unreal’ mid-flight catch to leap over for try
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Sale were able to cut the deficit to three points thanks to a George Ford penalty and a Robert du Preez try after the break, before drawing level after Ford converted his third penalty of the afternoon.
However, the hosts restored their lead just two minutes later, as Izaia Perese crossed moments after coming on, and they held on to their five-point advantage for the final 15 minutes.
The victory means they will face table-toppers Bath in the final at Twickenham next Saturday after the latter beat West Country rivals Bristol at the Recreation Ground on Friday night.
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Leicester finished 11 points behind Johann van Graan’s men in the regular season and lost both of the Premiership meetings between the sides.
They finished the season strongly, though, winning four of their final five league games, and they will now target a record-extending 11th Premiership title.
Watch and stream the Gallagher Premiership final on TNT Sports and discovery+
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