Waratahs extend coach Gibson's contract

Sydney - Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2020 season.

Since joining the Waratahs in 2013, Gibson has become part of the New South Wales fabric, taking over the head coach role in 2016 and helping the 'Tahs achieve one of their best seasons on record last year.

With a passion for building home grown talent, Gibson's extension will see him equal Ewen McKenzie’s record as longest serving head coach of the Waratahs, providing great stability and consistency within the ranks.

NSW Rugby Union CEO, Andrew Hore, said Gibson worked hard over the years to develop the systems and process that will benefit their rugby for a long time to come.

"We are really pleased to have Daryl staying on board until the end of 2020," Hore told the Waratahs' official website.

"Daryl has been a big driver in opening up our players and support staff to importance of giving back to the grassroots and helping reinvest in the game at the community level. He’s instilled purpose and identify in all that our players and support staff do.

"For Daryl, the focus has been on putting the structures and systems in place to not only bring through the younger talent, but invest in coaching and support staff.

"It hasn’t been all smooth sailing over the years, but I’m a firm believer that during the ‘dark times’ comes great learnings and Daryl has been able to ensure we have better systems and processes in place that will continue to develop our game in New South Wales.

"It is great for our State to have him with us until the end of 2020, but more than that, we can already see first hand the legacy he is building to ensure the game is in good hands for the long term."

Gibson said he is excited to be staying with NSW Rugby through to 2020 and is excited for the next two seasons.

"It is a real privilege to continue to serve NSW rugby for another season," said Gibson.

"I've been very open that I want to bring the next generation through as well as bed down the systems we have been working hard to put in place to keep our best rugby talent in the game.

"NSW Rugby has been very focused also on coach development and I want to also look to cement the coaching team and support staff we have built and who have bought into our vision for rugby in New South Wales.

"We have some great people in our ranks and I am excited to be working with them and hopefully delivering some more great results as we build towards the future,” he said.

The Waratahs' 2019 Super Rugby campaign kicks off on Saturday at Brookvale Oval against the Hurricanes.