Graham Dewes, the forwards coach for the Flying Fijians, is set to join the Waikato Chiefs for the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. His appointment comes on the heels of a remarkable quarterfinal performance by the Fijian team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which has heightened interest in his skills as a scrums coach.
Dewes, who has a strong connection to the Chiefs through his past playing experiences with Counties Manukau and Thames Valley, also has a distinguished background as a former player for Fiji, having participated in 28 matches and been part of the squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
The Chiefs’ management expressed enthusiasm about Dewes’ addition, with Chief Executive Simon Graafhuis noting that both Dewes and Jono Gibbes, the New Zealand Under 20s head coach who will serve as an assistant coach, bring invaluable expertise to the team. Graafhuis remarked, “Graham has jumped the ranks a bit by going from NPC to international coaching, but having the experience he’s gained with us for the coming season will be a real asset.”
Dewes expressed his excitement about this new role, stating, “I’m honoured to join the Chiefs rugby family as scrum coach for 2025. This is an incredible opportunity to work alongside world-class players, coaching staff, and management. I’m excited for the challenges ahead and eager to build on the strong foundation already set in place.”
In addition to Dewes, Gibbes, who has also returned to the Chiefs in a more expansive Resource Coach role, is expected to contribute significantly to the club’s coaching framework. Graafhuis acknowledged Gibbes’ impact since his return, emphasizing the respect he commands among players and staff and his potential to aid in the team’s ongoing development.
Overall, this strategic coaching appointment not only highlights the Chiefs’ commitment to strengthening their team but also signifies a collaborative effort to leverage international experience for future success in the Super Rugby Pacific league. The synergy between Dewes, Gibbes, and the existing coaching staff could potentially lead to an exciting era for the Chiefs as they aim for further achievements in the coming seasons.
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