Waratahs retain Daryl Gibson, welcome home favourite son

New South Wales Waratahs Head Coach Daryl Gibson will lead a strong coaching team in 2019 that includes the return home of one of the State’s favourite sons.

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.

2019 will be Gibson’s third season in charge at the club after assisting since 2013 and being handed the reins in 2016 following Michael Cheika’s appointment as Wallabies coach.

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