Hickey: Excited by new challenge

Chris is a proven winner. His record with Eastwood has simply been stunning and we believe he can build upon what is already an impressive foundation.

NSW Rugby Union chairman Arvid Petersen on Chris Hickey
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Current Eastwood head coach Chris Hickey has agreed a three-year deal with the New South Wales Rugby Union to succeed Ewen McKenzie as the new boss of Super 14 finalists the Waratahs.

The prolific premiership-winning and former NSW 'A' head coach has a wealth of experience behind him after a 14-year spell at first grade level in Sydney and Canberra.

After guiding his sides to eleven Grand Finals and five Premierships, NSW Rugby Union chairman Arvid Petersen believes Hickey's credentials, which also include two years at the helm of the Australian U21s, were the perfect qualifications for the role.

"Chris is a proven winner," said Petersen. "His record with Eastwood has simply been stunning and we believe he can build upon what is already an impressive foundation.

"Obviously there's a high standard to live up to, but Chris inherits a great set up, a great playing roster and the organisation will now work with him on getting his coaching team finalised for 2009.

Unanimously accepted

"He's shown at a club level his ability to set up a fantastic program with limited resources and create a winning culture.

"At the Waratahs Chris will have all the resources he needs to bring that experience to a completely professional environment and further develop the program at NSW Rugby."

The application and interview process resulted in Hickey taking the post after he was unanimously accepted by the NSW Rugby Board on Monday night.

"We were very impressed with the applications we received and took ten applicants to the interview stage," said NSWRU chief executive officer Jim L'Estrange.

"We brought four back for a final interview and after that we settled on Chris Hickey being the candidate we would recommend to the Board following the completion of the Waratahs 2008 Super 14 campaign. The decision from the Board was unanimous.

"We used some great Rugby minds in Michael Hawker, Matt Burke, Jeff Miller and Phil Waugh during the process, which makes us all the more confident we've made the right decision and can start looking forward to 2009 and beyond."

Big challenge

Hickey admitted his delight at being given the opportunity to take charge of the 2008 Super 14 finalists.

"This is special opportunity I've been given and I'm excited about the role," said Hickey.

"Every professional Rugby coach in this state wants to have the opportunity to be the Waratahs coach.

"It's a big challenge, a big responsibility, but I know I'm ready and can't wait to get started.

"Obviously the team is in great shape, but the Super 14 is the toughest provincial Rugby competition in the world and there's a lot of work that needs to be put in between now and the start of 2009 to ensure the side remains at the top."