Crusader crosses the ditch to Tahs
Former Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson has signed on at the Waratahs for next year's Super Rugby season.
He will be working alongside head coach Michael Cheika and assistant Alan Gaffney.
The former All Black centre brings a wealth of international coaching and playing experience.
Currently touring Europe with the New Zealand Maori team, Gibson helped guide the Crusaders to the 2011 Super Rugby final, securing semifinals places in 2009, 2010 and 2012, having previously won four titles as a player.
Announcing his appointment Cheika said that Gibson would bring more than just his coaching experience to the Waratahs.
"Darryl is the guy who most fitted the vision we have for the team and for NSW rugby," said Cheika.
"The new values that we are setting down he believes in already and that was the first thing we considered.
"To enact the change we want to make here, we need to change everything. I wanted someone fresh. Someone that guys here haven't had much to do with or been coached by. We need to change the voices, change the approach.
"Darryl has excellent skills in the areas we wish to improve, in the continuity of attack and around the ruck.
"He has great experience of Super Rugby and in that sense his experience is a good complement for mine and Alan's.
"He also has a very rounded approach to the game, having coached in Super Rugby and in the UK and against teams from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and all over Europe. He's been a successful player and a coach at that level."
Speaking from the Maori's camp in England, Gibson described the chance to join the Waratahs as a fantastic opportunity.
"I was attracted to the role by Michael Cheika's vision for the team," he said.
"His passion and commitment to turning the Waratahs into a winning team made it an easy choice. When you get a group of people committed to being better everyday then winning becomes a by product.
"The Waratahs under-performed last season and I know from Michael that the players are working very hard at the moment so they can earn the respect of fans and become a team that the people of NSW will be proud of and want to come and see.
"We need to reconnect with the people of NSW, to create a deep connection with our community, where fans feel engaged with the team and proud of our performances every week. It's a fantastic challenge and I wouldn't be shifting my family to Australia if I did not believe in the people charged with that responsibility.
"Michael Cheika and Alan Gaffney have a wealth of rugby experience and I'm sure I am going to learn plenty from them and also add in my way to the coaching staff."
Gibson will join the Waratahs' pre-season preparations early next month. He will assume responsibility for the team's attacking skills and continuity play, with Alan Gaffney taking charge of attack from set plays. As well as working with the forwards, Michael Cheika will manage the team's defence.
The Waratahs' Super Rugby season kicks off with three pre-season trials, including a home match against the Crusaders on Thursday, February 14.
