Rugby: Gibbes named Waikato coach

Chris Gibbes has been appointed head coach of Waikato's Air New Zealand Cup team following the departure of Tony Hanks to English Premiership club Wasps.

Gibbes, 36, was Hanks' assistant last season and was assistant coach of Japan at the 2007 World Cup.

He is a former rugby development officer for Waikato Rugby and played for Waikato B, Hawke's Bay and New Zealand Colts.

Scott McLeod, who is skills coach with the Chiefs and last year was skills coach with the Waikato team, will assist Gibbes.

McLeod is also a former Waikato player and All Black and enjoyed a successful 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 has 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."

Hanks had initially been seconded to Wasps for five months to help coaches Ian McGeechan and Shaun Edwards, who are involved with the British Lions.

But McGeechan quit his post on Friday after it became apparent there were moves behind the scenes to replace him.

Hanks initially linked up with Wasps in 2002 during Warren Gatland's coaching reign. He left in 2005, returning to New Zealand, where he later became Waikato's head coach.

"I came to Wasps in November with every intention of going back and resuming my Waikato commitments but the Wasps role was an opportunity too good to turn down," says Hanks.

- AGENCIES