Chris Gibbes Appointed as Waikato Coach
16th May 2009 05:00AM
Chris Gibbes has been appointed head coach of the 2009 Waikato Air New Zealand Cup team.
Gibbes, 36, has an extensive coaching background; most recently he was Waikato's assistant coach in last season. He has also been assistant coach of the Japanese national team at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, is a former Rugby Development officer for the Waikato Rugby Union and is a former Waikato B player, Hawke's Bay rugby representative and New Zealand Colt.
Scott McLeod, who currently is the skills coach with the Chiefs and last year was skills coach with the Waikato team, is appointed as the assistant coach to the Waikato team. Scott is also a former Waikato player and All Black and enjoyed a successful playing career in Japan.
Waikato Rugby Union Chief Executive Graham Bowen said: "Chris is a through and through Waikato man, who epitomises the traditions of Waikato Rugby. He is passionate about the Union and demonstrates this on a daily basis having worked closely with a number of players, coaches and managers in the province."
"Scott and Chris have worked closely over the past two years, and complement one another well. Their skill sets put them in a strong position to lead a premier provincial team."
Meanwhile, Bowen confirmed that Tony Hanks has been released from his contract by the Waikato Rugby Union.
"The release of Tony as head coach was an amicable arrangement, endorsed by the Board of Directors. We'd like to thank Tony for his great service to the Union."
The WRU is unable to confirm Tony's coaching future at this stage. However, an announcement is expected in the next 24 hours.
