New coach Chris Hickey joins HSBC Waratahs
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Tuesday, 1 July 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
The first day of July has also marked the first day for Chris Hickey as Head Coach of the HSBC Waratahs.
New HSBC Waratahs Head Coach, Chris Hickey
New HSBC Waratahs Head Coach, Chris Hickey with NSWRU CEO Jim L'Estrange (l) and Chairman Arvid Petersen (r).
The former Eastwood coach has wrapped up duties with the Tooheys New Shute Shield side since signing with NSW Rugby four weeks ago and will now direct his focus towards the Waratahs 2009 season.
"It's been a pretty busy month tying up loose ends but I can't wait to get stuck in," said Hickey.
"Ewen McKenzie has been fantastic over the past month and we've spoken a lot about the team, the roster and the program that's already in place because it's a successful platform to work from."
Hickey said some of the most important aspects over his first few weeks in the job would be to finalise his playing roster and coaching staff for 2009.
"In terms of the playing squad I'm certainly inheriting a talented group of guys, but there are a few holes which we'll be looking to fill pretty soon.
"We also need to finalise the coaching structure and once we do that we can get the early work done on the 2009 campaign."
In NSW and Canberra Hickey has taken his sides to 11 Grand finals in 14 seasons, winning five Premierships along the way.
He has also had Head Coaching experience with the Australian Under 21s and NSW A, as well as assistant Rod Macqueen in 1997 at the Brumbies.
Chris Hickey - Coaching Profile
1994-2000 Vikings Rugby Club (ACT) - Coaching Director, First Grade Coach
> Six Grand Finals, Three Premierships
1997 ACT Brumbies - Assistant Coach
> Super 14 Finalists
2001-2008 Eastwood Rugby Club - Coaching Director, First Grade Coach
> Five Grand Finals, Two Premierships
2003 NSW 'A' - Head Coach
2005-2006 Australia Under 21 - Head Coach
> 2005 IRB World Championships - Finalists
> 2006 IRB World Championships - Fourth