Gibbes to replace Watt at Canes
Hurricanes coach John Plumtree is excited by what Chris Gibbes will bring to his coaching team.
The Wellington Lions coach will leave the Mitre 10 Cup team at the end of the season to join Plumtree’s staff as forwards coach for the next two seasons.
He replaces Richard Watt, who was let go at the end of the 2019 campaign after nine seasons with the Hurricanes.
Plumtree said it was a difficult decision to let such a loyal member of the franchise go, but it was time for a change.
‘‘Absolutely it was difficult, but we had to make that call. Watty has been involved with Wellington and the Hurricanes for a long period and done a fantastic job.
‘‘The realities of our business is there’s always time for change and that’s just the way it is.’’
Gibbes brings a wealth of experience to the role.
He led Waikato to two ITM Cup finals, as well as Ranfurly Shield success, and has had international experience as forwards coach with Japan, Georgia, the New Zealand under-20s and Welsh Pro 14 side Ospreys.
He left Ospreys after four years to take up the Wellington job in 2017, immediately leading them to promotion back into the premiership division before making the semifinals in his second season in 2018.
‘‘With that international experience he’s had and the experience he’s had overseas as well, we’re bloody happy to have him,’’ Plumtree said.
‘‘He’s done a good job with Wellington. He’s well respected by all the players and the staff that he’s worked with, so he’s going to be a great help for me.’’
It will also help that Gibbes has already been working with many of the Hurricanes forwards at the Lions, including young front-rowers Alex Fidow, Asafo Aumua and Xavier Numia, as well as lock James Blackwell and loose forward Du’plessis Kirifi.
Plumtree said he expected his forward pack to continue to improve on the progression they made in 2018.
‘‘If you look at our front row there’s some experience and some youngsters coming through there at the Wellington Lions.
As for Gibbes’ replacement at the Lions, Watt would be considered a contender there, if he chose to enter the head coaching ranks at this level for the first time.
First things first, he will be on Tonga’s coaching staff at the World Cup in Japan.