Tahs coach: Board to make final call

The players may want to take control, but the Waratahs board have decided they will appoint a new coach.

This follows after Tahs prop Benn Robinson suggested the players should "have a say" in who will take over as head coach in Sydney from Michael Foley.

Led by acting Chairman Al Baxter, the Waratahs board has started the process of appointing a new head coach, appointing a rugby sub-committee to oversee the process.

"Whilst we welcome and value the views of our stakeholders – including NSWRU, the Waratahs players and staff – ultimately the board will make the decision, based on the recommendations of the rugby sub-committee," said Baxter, who is also part of the sub-committee.

Baxter added that no timeframe will be put on the appointment.

"Our priority is the long term interests of our members and fans and in ensuring that we appoint the most suitably qualified candidate for the role."

Until a new head coach is appointed, the board has installed Alan Gaffney as interim coach to run the rugby program.

This comes amidst reports that mid-season Gaffney was under serious threat of being sacked by the Tahs.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald Gaffney was under serious threat of being squeezed out by the Waratahs hierarchy mid-season as part of a cost-cutting campaign.

The newspaper claim that an Email trail confirms Gaffney was being targeted.

The Waratahs board said in a statement that to protect their confidentiality, the details of potential candidates will not be released.