Sydney University Football Club First XV coach Chris Malone has signed a three-year contract as assistant coach of the NSW Waratahs, starting in 2016.
Malone will be assistant coach to Daryl Gibson, who is taking over as senior coach from Michael Cheika, the new Wallabies coach. He will act as specialist attack and kicking coach.
The appointment comes on the back of a long and successful playing career, mostly at five-eighth, followed by a successful three-year Shute Shield coaching career with Sydney University.
Coach Gibson said the appointment of Malone would bring a fresh perspective to the Waratahs coaching team.
“Chris has been a wonderful coach at Sydney University, and has nurtured a number of top Waratahs Super Rugby players through the ranks already. He has a proven track record in player development and guiding teams to the finals.” Gibson said.
“We are extremely pleased to have a coach with his experience on board for the 2016 season and beyond. His appointment is also testimony to our desire to create a coaching pathway for young aspiring coaches in NSW.”
Malone, who will begin in the role at the completion of his Shute Shield duties with the University club, said he was looking forward to the challenge of working at the Waratahs.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the Waratahs next season, and working alongside Daryl Gibson and the team to help build on the legacy that they and Michael Cheika have created there,” Malone said.
Malone played with Sydney University in the Shute Shield from 1999-2001. In 2001 he captained Sydney University to their first premiership title in 29 years.
At the completion of the 2001 season he moved to England and was based at the Exeter Chiefs for seven months, before a five-year stint with Bath and four years based in London where he played two seasons for Harlequins and two for London Irish.
Malone then re-joined the Sydney University Club as high performance coach in June 2011 and took over as head coach in 2013 guiding the SUFC to the Shute Shield premiership that year.
