Gibson succeeds dual-role Cheika

 

Gibson has been assistant coach of the Waratahs, under current coach Cheika, since his appointment at the end of 2012.

 

He has previously coached at the Glasgow Warriors in the Pro12 in 2007, before spending three seasons as an assistant at the Crusaders in his native New Zealand.

 

Waratahs CEO Greg Harris said the integrity of the selection process was of the highest priority, and that Gibson's appointment would ensure that the transition at the end of the season would be a smooth one.

 

“Daryl has been an integral part of the creation of a culture which the club is now identified by," Harris said.

 

"His appointment will ensure that the players can build on the positive foundation which has been established by Michael Cheika.” 

 

“Whilst this is Daryl’s first head coaching appointment ,he has played under – and coached with – several highly credentialed coaches.

 

“He brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, and is very much a values and culture driven coach.

 

"This is what the selection panel was also very impressed with.”

 

Gibson said he was looking forward to building on the exceptional foundation created under current coach Cheika. 

 

“I’m very proud to be appointed to this role, it has been a privilege to coach under Michael and help him to create the club culture and identity over the past few seasons,” Gibson said.

 

“The selection process for this role has been extremely rigorous, and I’m really looking forward to working with Greg [Harris] to shore up our player roster and plan for the next three years. 

 

“I’m very aware of the tasks we have in front of us to achieve success this season,

 

"So we will be sharing the focus on both current and future challenges.”

 

As an inside-centre, Gibson played 19 Tests for the All Blacks between 1999 and 2002, including the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

 

He made a team record 78 appearances for the Crusaders in Super 12 between 1996 and 2002, scoring 14 tries and winning four championships in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002.

 

Debuting in June 1993, he went on to play 80 matches for Canterbury, claiming 35 tries and twice winning the NPC in 1997 and 2001.

 

As captain, he guided the team to the final in 2000.