Netball: Leigh Gibbs appointed coach of Tactix

Leigh Gibbs will coach the Canterbury Tactix in next year's ANZ competition. Photo / Getty Images

Former Silver Ferns coach and New Zealand netball captain Leigh Gibbs will coach trans-Tasman league wooden spooners Canterbury Tactix in next year's competition.

Gibbs will also manage the franchise's new high performance programme.

Currently community netball manager for Netball New Zealand, Gibbs said she particularly liked the fact that her new role also involved overseeing high performance and coaching other coaches.

"I still have a strong sense of connection with Canterbury in spite of being based in Gisborne for the last 17 years, so when this opportunity presented itself, it really struck a chord," she said.

Gibbs said she had a real sense of motivation and excitement within the franchise.

"We need to be united in sharing the vision for success, and aware that it will require a lot of hard work and resilience."

"It's an exciting challenge that I find very attractive."

Gibbs paid tribute to the work of former Tactix coaches Helen Mahon-Stroud and Julie Seymour.

"I'll need to get a good understanding of what has worked well, of what was successful, and what we can build on."

She said the Tactix was not just about Christchurch, but the whole Canterbury region and it was important people identified with the team.

"We really want to foster that 'red and black' flowing through the veins, just as the Crusaders exemplify that in rugby."

Canterbury Netball chief executive Peter Smith called Gibbs' return to Canterbury "a very exciting appointment".

"We're absolutely delighted Leigh has accepted this position," Smith said. "It's part of a long-term coaching succession plan for the Tactix and Canterbury netball."

Smith said Gibbs was highly regarded both personally and professionally, and was currently at the vanguard of coach development in her role at Netball New Zealand.

"She's an extremely experienced and successful coach who carries huge respect within the netball community both locally and nationally," Smith said.

"Other coaches acknowledge her experience and expertise and are very keen to work with her, knowing she operates in a collegial way."

He said Netball New Zealand strongly endorsed her new appointment.

Gibbs will live in Christchurch and take up her new position from September 1.

She will be instrumental in appointing the Tactix assistant coaches, positions that will be filled in the next few weeks.

- NZPA