Waratahs Confirm 2019 Coaching Staff

NSW Waratahs Head Coach Daryl Gibson will lead a strong coaching team in 2019 after re-signing with the club for another year.

 

His staff includes the return home of one of the State’s favourite sons. Former Waratahs halfback Chris Whitaker will join Gibson and Assistant Coach (Forwards and Contact) Simon Cron.

 

 

2018 Assistant Coach (Backs and Attack), Chris Malone, was farewelled in Johannesburg last weekend following the NSW Waratahs’ 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.