Hickey takes McKenzie's Waratahs job
Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:39
Super 14 finalists the Waratahs on Tuesday appointed Chris Hickey as head coach, ending a drawn-out selection process to replace outgoing mentor Ewen McKenzie.
Hickey, the Australia Under-21 coach in 2005/06, is a relative novice at Super 14 level, acting as an assistant coach in helping to take the Brumbies to the 1997 Final of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest competition outside Test rugby.
But the Waratahs hope his experience coaching first grade sides in Sydney and Canberra to 11 grand final appearances in 14 years, winning five of the deciders, will translate onto the bigger stage.
The prolific premiership-winning coach was formally introduced as the new Waratahs coach by New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) chairman Arvid Petersen.
He said Hickey's credentials, which also include two years at the helm of the Australian Under-21 side, were the perfect qualifications for the role.
"Chris is a proven winner," said Petersen.
"His record with Eastwood has simply been stunning and we believe he can build upon what is already an impressive foundation.
"Obviously there's a high standard to live up to, but Chris inherits a great set up, a great playing roster and the organisation will now work with him on getting his coaching team finalised for 2009.
"He's shown at a club level his ability to set up a fantastic program with limited resources and create a winning culture. At the Waratahs Chris will have all the resources he needs to bring that experience to a completely professional environment and further develop the program at NSW Rugby."
The application and interview process resulted in Hickey being recommended for the role, which was unanimously accepted by the NSW Rugby Board on Monday.
"We were very impressed with the applications we received and took ten applicants to the interview stage," said NSWRU Chief Executive Officer Jim L'Estrange.
"We brought four back for a final interview and after that we settled on Chris Hickey being the candidate we would recommend to the Board following the completion of the Waratahs 2008 Super 14 campaign. The decision from the Board was unanimous.
"We used some great rugby minds in Michael Hawker, Matt Burke, Jeff Miller and Phil Waugh during the process, which makes us all the more confident we've made the right decision and can start looking forward to 2009 and beyond."
Hickey said he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to take charge of the 2008 Super 14 finalists.
"This is special opportunity I've been given and I'm excited about the role," said Hickey.
"Every professional coach in this state wants to have the opportunity to be the Waratahs coach.
"It's a big challenge, a big responsibility, but I know I'm ready and can't wait to get started.
"Obviously the team is in great shape, but the Super 14 is the toughest provincial competition in the world and there's a lot of work that needs to be put in between now and the start of 2009 to ensure the side remains at the top."
In addition to coaching the NSW A side in 2003, Hickey was at the helm of the Australian Under-21 side in 2005 and 2006 - where he oversaw the progress of a number of players now in the Waratahs squad.
"During those couple of World Champs we had Benn Robinson, Tatafu [Polota-Nau], Dean Mumm, Ben Mowen, Daniel Halangahu and Benny Batger who are all here at the Waratahs, plus probably 10 or 12 guys running around for other Super 14 franchises, so I'm familiar with a lot of the players.
"It also shows the pathways in Australia to compete at the Super Rugby level are working well; having been a part of those at club, state and national level I have a lot of confidence in them.
"I'm confident too that we can continue to use those pathways to further enhance this squad, while maintaining what is already a winning culture amongst a talented group of players."
Hickey will formally start in the role on 1 July, and will work with Ewen McKenzie and General Manager High Performance Tony D'Arcy in a handover capacity over the coming month.
McKenzie was told in April that his contract would not be renewed at the end of the year, but went on to guide the side to last weekend's Final against the Crusaders, which they lost 12-20.
McKenzie took the Waratahs to two finals during his five years in charge and Petersen said the new coach had a high standard to live up to.
"But Chris inherits a great set-up, a great playing roster and the organisation will now work with him on getting his coaching team finalised for 2009," he said.
