Chris Whitaker and Assistant Coach (Forwards and Contact) Simon Cron will join Gibson while 2018 Assistant Coach (Backs and Attack), Chris Malone, was farewelled in Johannesburg last weekend following the NSW Waratahs’ Vodafone Super Rugby semi-match against the Lions.
Whitaker’s return to Sydney follows two years as Co-Head Coach of French club Montauban, and stints with Stade Francais and Irish club side Leinster.
As a player, he played in 118 games for NSW, including 107 for the NSW Waratahs, 48 internationals for Australia between 1998 and 2005, and also represented the Barbarians and Leinster.
Speaking from France, Whitaker said he was relishing the opportunity to return to NSW and be part of the State’s coach development pathway.
“The knowledge and experience you gain overseas is great but it is time for me to come home and contribute to the game and a State that has given so much to me and my family throughout my career.”
“Rugby in Australia is improving and I couldn’t pass on the chance to help further develop and grow the potential we have here,” Whitaker said.
Gibson’s contract extension for 2019 follows a remarkable 2018 Super Rugby campaign, in which the NSW Waratahs finished in the competition’s top four.
“I am really proud of how this team has developed and improved over the past 12 months to make the final four. While our goal was to bring the Super Rugby trophy home, we can hold our heads high and reflect on a season in which we made massive inroads both on and off the field. The job is not done yet but we are excited about what’s to come,” said Gibson, who will be responsible for the attack portfolio.
Simon Cron will continue as forwards and contact skills coach.
Malone’s departure follows three years with the NSW Waratahs.
Today, Gibson paid tribute to Malone’s contribution.
“Nobby has been an integral part of our team and the work that he has done with our backs and overall contribution to the success of the team has been immense. We wish him all the very best as he forges a new career that he is very excited about,” Gibson said.
Malone said he valued his time with the NSW Waratahs.
“It’s been fantastic to see the team come together this year and delivering on our potential. We are absolutely gutted we didn’t get through to the final but we can be proud of how we have played the game this year, including setting a new record by being the first NSW Waratahs team to score over 600 points in a season, along the way entertaining our members and fans, and representing our State with pride. One of the highlights for me this year was to hear the NSW chant at our games and it shows that rugby is getting the recognition it deserves.
“I have really enjoyed my time with the team and the organisation, there are a lot of good people here, and I leave knowing that the game in this State is in good hands” Malone said.
