Hanks handed Waikato job
Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:00
Warren Gatland's second-in-charge for the past three years, Tony Hanks, has been appointed head coach of the Waikato Air New Zealand Cup team. He takes over from Gatland, who recently quit to take up the position of Welsh head coach. Hanks, 36, has an extensive coaching background; most recently as Waikato's assistant coach - working closely with Gatland. He has also been skills coach for the Junior All Blacks for the past two years, was the Chiefs skills coach and technical analyst in 2006 and 2007, and was named assistant coach of the Chiefs for 2008. "I'm obviously excited about taking Waikato forward, as it's a team I've been closely involved with over the past few years," Hanks said. "This season we went through a rebuilding phase, like in 2005, and the positive is we exposed a number of new players at Air New Zealand Cup level. I'm excited about what the 2008 season will bring for Waikato. "Personally, it is the right time and the right team for me to take on a head coach role. It is pleasing to see that the traditional coaching pathway is still an option," he said. Hanks will be assisted by Chris Gibbes, who during the 2007 World Cup was the assistant coach to John Kirwan with the Japanese national team. Gibbes is currently a Rugby Development Officer for the Waikato Rugby Union (WRU) and is a former Waikato B player, Hawke's Bay rugby representative and New Zealand Colt. "I'm excited about what Chris will bring to the team; he has coached at various levels, including an international team," said Hanks. "He is good technical coach and is also passionate about being involved in Waikato Rugby. "He's an excellent addition to the existing team management that supports the Waikato Air New Zealand Cup squad." WRU Chief Executive Graham Bowen said the appointment of Hanks and Gibbes is a "positive step forward" for Waikato. "They are energetic and enthusiastic coaches who will be help lead the Waikato Air New Zealand Cup team to success in 2008 and beyond," Bowden said.
