Australia coach Michael Cheika faces probe ahead of Scotland match

Michael Cheika's conduct during Australia's 30-6 defeat by England at Twickenham has been referred for investigation by World Rugby.

The Wallabies head coach was infuriated by a number of refereeing decisions and when a Michael Hooper try was disallowed in the first half, he appeared to mouth ‘f***ing genius’ in reference to the decision made by referee Ben O’Keeffe.

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When asked during a broadcast interview if he had actually called O’Keeffe a ‘f***ing cheat’, Cheika ended the interview.

Michael Cheika, head coach of Australia, faces a World Rugby probe into his behaviour during the Wallabies' 30-6 loss to England. Picture: Getty Images

On two occasions he walked down the steps from the coaches’ box to the touchline to remonstrate with officials and received abuse from supporters that he described as a ‘gobful’ that was ‘not pleasant’, at one point resulting in a verbal exchange with a fan.

Jon Davis, the disciplinary officer for the autumn internationals, is looking into his behaviour on Saturday afternoon.

“Following various media reports and a referral from World Rugby, the comments and conduct attributed to Michael Cheika are being investigated.

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“An update will be issued tomorrow (Tuesday),” read a statement issued by the body that oversees disciplinary matters for the November Tests.