Rugby: Haig and Gibbes new Georgia coaches

Milton Haig. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealanders Milton Haig and Chris Gibbes have been announced as the new coaches of Georgia.

Former Counties coach Haig and former Waikato coach Gibbes will join the Georgian national team in January and look to build on what the union described as a successful World Cup in 2011.

Georgia beat Romania 25-9 and were competitive against England, Scotland and Argentina. They lost to the Scots 15-6.

Haig and Gibbes, who have signed two-year deals with the option of a two-year extension, will take over from Scot Richie Dixon, whose role will change to player development.

Georgia president George Nijaradze said: "We know that New Zealanders live and breathe rugby and we believe that both Milton and Chris will take Georgia to a different level.

"Georgia now has a very close relationship with New Zealand and we are very grateful to the New Zealand Rugby Union for their continued support. After this year's Rugby World Cup we started looking for new coaches because the existing contracts came to an end. I was in touch with the New Zealand Rugby Union who assisted us and sent CVs of several outstanding candidates.

"We also had offers from coaches in France and the UK but our board decided in favour of Milton and Chris, taking into account their experience, knowledge, and willingness to move to Georgia.''

Haig, a former Bay of Plenty halfback and assistant coach of the New Zealand Maori, said he was excited about the opportunity.