Following the news of Cameron Blades and Nathan Grey's departure from Moore Park, the Waratahs have come out swinging with the appointment of Australian Under 20’s and Sydney Rays Coach, Simon Cron.
New Zealand born Cron, who guided Northern Suburbs to their first Shute Shield premiership in over 40 years was highly sort after property, having allegedly turned down other coaching roles within Australian Rugby.
It would be good news for Waratahs Head Coach Daryl Gibson, who already has his sights on rebuilding towards 2018.
“Simon has shown that he can perform as a coach at many levels already,” Gibson said.
"We’ve recognised his ability and talent and we want him to be a part of the Waratahs.
“He has strong coaching credentials and followed a pathway from club rugby to the NRC and then to the Australian Under 20’s that’s led to the point where I think he’s ready to step up to Super Rugby and to become a coach of the future at NSW.”
Having lived in Australia for over 10 years, the 41 year-old former Canterbury Metro openside was already clear on what he will bring to the table as their newly appointed assistant.
“I’m looking forward to working with Daryl and working hard in the off season to focus on everything we can and need to do to win,” Cron said.
“I think one of the areas of focus will be the contact zone & getting over the gainline which is essential, so I am looking forward to helping.”
“The majority of my life I have been involved in rugby as either a player or a coach and I want to keep developing my knowledge in all aspects of the game.”
“I know many of the players in the Waratahs already and I think the ones I’ve worked with know I drive pretty high standards across the park with a high focus on success and winning.”
It has been a busy year for Cron following his Shute Shield triumph, taking on dual roles as the head coach of the Australian Under 20s program as well as his coaching duties at Norths, where he will continue on until the end of the season.
“Norths has been a huge part of my career, I love the club and the players and all the people there and it will be hard to leave. The playing group and coaching staff would all bleed for the club and it will be difficult to think of leaving that.
“But the opportunity to work with the Waratahs is exciting for me and I’ll do what I can to make them successful.”
