Rugby: Daryl Gibson signs with Waratahs

Daryl Gibson says it was necessary to quit the Crusaders to further his career. Photo / Getty Images.

Former Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson has signed with the Waratahs coaching staff for next season.

Gibson, who is assisting Jamie Joseph on the New Zealand Maori tour of England, resigned from the Crusaders recently after having his role downgraded to defence coach.

He will move with his family to Sydney in time for the Waratahs' pre-season preparations.

Gibson said: "I was attracted to the role by (Waratahs' head coach) Michael Cheika's vision for the team.

"His passion and commitment to turning the Waratahs into a winning team made it an easy choice. When you get a group of people committed to being better every day then winning becomes a by product.''

Gibson, a former Crusader and All Blacks centre, played in Glasgow and at Leicester Tigers before returning to assist Todd Blackadder at the Crusaders for the 2009 season. An announcement on the Crusaders' new assistant coaches is believed to be imminent, with Aaron Mauger and Tabai Matson leading contenders.

Cheika said: "Daryl has excellent skills in the areas we wish to improve, in the continuity of attack and around the ruck.

"He has great experience of Super Rugby and in that sense his experience is a good complement for mine and Alan's.

"He also has a very rounded approach to the game, having coached in Super Rugby and in the UK and against teams from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and all over Europe. He's been a successful player and a coach at that level.''