Super Rugby

Daryl Gibson confirmed as Waratahs coach

ESPN Staff

Daryl Gibson (R) will succeed Michael Cheika as Waratahs coach © Getty Images Enlarge

NSW Waratahs have confirmed the worst kept secret in Super Rugby, announcing current assistant Daryl Gibson will take over from Michael Cheika as head coach next season.

Gibson had long been touted as Cheika's likely replacement but the franchise decided to investigate all options before settling on the former All Blacks centre.

Gibson, who played 77 matches for the Crusaders and 19 Tests for the All Blacks, has been given a three-year contract from 2016 but will transition into the role throughout the remainder of this year's Super Rugby season.

"I'm very proud to be appointed to this role, it has been a privilege to coach under Michael and help him to create the club culture and identity over the past few seasons," Gibson said. "The selection process for this role has been extremely rigorous, and I'm really looking forward to working with Greg [Harris] to shore up our player roster and plan for the next three years. I'm very aware of the tasks we have in front of us to achieve success this season; so we will be sharing the focus on both current and future challenges."

Ruck'n Maul: Is Ben McCalman headed for the Waratahs?

Waratahs chief executive Greg Harris said Gibson's influence on the club's culture had been one of the key factors in his ascension to the top job.

"Daryl has been an integral part of the creation of a culture which the club is now identified by, and his appointment will ensure that the players can build on the positive foundation which has been established by Michael Cheika," Harris said.

"Whilst this is Daryl's first head coaching appointment he has played under, and coached with, several highly credentialed coaches including Wayne Smith, Steve Hansen, Todd Blackadder, and Robbie Deans."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd