Graham Dewes, the forwards coach for the Flying Fijians, is set to join the Waikato Chiefs as the scrum coach for the 2025 Shop and Save Super Rugby Pacific season. His appointment comes on the heels of a notable quarterfinal performance by Fiji in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Chiefs management believes Dewes will be a valuable addition to their coaching team.
Alongside Dewes, Jono Gibbes, the head coach of the New Zealand Under 20s, will also serve as an assistant coach for the Chiefs. Dewes has a strong background in rugby, having represented the Chiefs Country provinces Counties Manukau and Thames Valley, as well as playing 28 games for Fiji. He was part of the Fijian squad that reached the quarter finals in the 2007 Rugby World Cup—an achievement that underscores his experience in high-stakes matches.
Chief Executive Simon Graafhuis expressed enthusiasm for having coaches of Dewes’ and Gibbes’ caliber on board, highlighting Dewes’ rapid rise from NPC to international coaching and the expertise he brings.
Dewes shared his excitement about joining the Chiefs, describing it as an incredible opportunity to work with world-class players and contribute to the team’s ongoing success. He looks forward to facing the challenges ahead while building upon the solid foundation the Chiefs have established.
Gibbes, who returned to the Chiefs in a Resource Coach role prior to the 2024 season, is well-regarded among players and staff, and his involvement for the 2025 season will further enrich the Chiefs’ coaching dynamics.
This collaboration between Dewes and Gibbes represents a harmonious blend of experience and fresh perspectives, positioning the Waikato Chiefs for a promising future in the upcoming Super Rugby season.
In summary, Graham Dewes is stepping up as the Waikato Chiefs’ scrum coach, bringing his wealth of experience from international play and prior coaching roles. His addition, alongside Jono Gibbes, promises to strengthen the Chiefs’ performance and development moving forward. With their combined expertise, the team and its supporters have much to look forward to in the 2025 season.
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