Foley named Waratahs coach

Sydney - Former Wallabies hooker Michael Foley has been named head coach of the Waratahs' Super Rugby team, replacing Chris Hickey.

The 44-year-old Foley was an assistant to Hickey from 2009, was a Wallabies assistant coach from 2006 to 2008 and an assistant coach English club Bath from 2001 to 2006.

He played more than 50 Tests for Australia, becoming one of its most-capped front rowers, and was a member of the 1999 Rugby World Cup-winning Wallabies team.

Hickey said he would take a break before exploring other coaching opportunities in Australia and overseas. He said he decided to step down after meeting with the Waratahs board several months ago.

"I think part of the thing you have to identify is when it's time for a change," Hickey said. "I think after three years it's probably time to make that change, to have some new ideas and energy come into the coaching group.

"I also was very confident at that stage with Michael Foley, that we had the opportunity to make a really smooth transition."

Ex-Wallabies assistant coach Alan Gaffney has been named Foley's senior assistant.