Graham Dewes, the forwards coach of the Flying Fijians, is set to join the Waikato Chiefs for the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. The Chiefs management views him as a valuable addition to the team, especially following Fiji’s impressive quarterfinal run in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Accompanying Dewes will be Jono Gibbes, the head coach for New Zealand Under 20s, who will serve as an assistant coach at the Chiefs. Dewes has a rich history with Chiefs Country provinces, having played for Counties Manukau and Thames Valley, alongside a commendable international career with Fiji, where he played 28 matches and reached the quarterfinals in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Chiefs Chief Executive Simon Graafhuis expressed enthusiasm about the new coaching additions, noting that Dewes’s rise from NPC to international coaching signifies the value he brings to the team. Dewes expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing his eagerness to work with elite players and contribute to building on the team’s existing successes.
Gibbes, who returned to the Chiefs before the 2024 season in a Resource Coach role, has been instrumental in supporting all levels of the organization. Graafhuis commended Gibbes for his contributions and stated that his extended role for the 2025 season would enhance the team’s development.
This new coaching lineup not only reflects the Chiefs’ commitment to strengthening their squad but also highlights the growing recognition of Fijian rugby talent on the international stage. With Dewes and Gibbes on board, there is a promising outlook for the franchise as they aim for success in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, the Chiefs’ strategic recruiting of experienced coaches underscores their ambitions for the future, creating a hopeful atmosphere for fans and players alike. The blend of Dewes’s international experience and Gibbes’s local knowledge could pave the way for exciting developments within the team.
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