Graham Dewes, the forwards coach for the Flying Fijians, will be joining the Waikato Chiefs as the scrum coach for the 2025 Shop and Save Super Rugby Pacific season. His appointment comes on the heels of Fiji’s impressive run in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where the team reached the quarterfinals, highlighting Dewes’ growing reputation in the world of rugby.
The Chiefs are also welcoming Jono Gibbes, the head coach for the New Zealand Under 20s, as an assistant coach. This new coaching duo brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Chiefs, which is anticipated to contribute positively to their performance in upcoming seasons.
Dewes has strong connections to the Chiefs, having previously played for Counties Manukau and Thames Valley in the Chiefs Country provinces. He’s also a former player for Fiji, appearing in 28 matches and being part of the notable squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Chiefs Chief Executive Simon Graafhuis expressed excitement over the inclusions, noting that both Dewes and Gibbes possess the skills and experience to enhance the team’s potential. Graafhuis remarked that Dewes’ journey from local coaching to the international arena marks significant progress, providing an invaluable asset for the team.
Dewes himself expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Chiefs, stating he sees it as an incredible opportunity to work with leading players and staff. He is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and is eager to build on the strong foundations already established.
Equally promising, Gibbes has made significant contributions since returning to the Chiefs in a Resource Coach role, and his involvement is expected to further bolster the team’s development.
With this new leadership, the Chiefs appear poised to enhance their competitive edge in the Super Rugby Pacific season ahead.
This transition marks a hopeful future for both Dewes and Gibbes, as they bring their coaching expertise to a franchise well-known for nurturing talent in rugby. The integration of their experiences could pave the way for exciting performances from the Chiefs in the 2025 season.
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