Two new coaches join Chiefs for Super Rugby Pacific

NEWS: Fiji forwards coach Graham Dewes and New Zealand Under-20 head coach Jono Gibbes will add their expertise to the Chiefs as Assistant Coaches for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.

Dewes previously represented Chiefs Country provinces Counties Manukau and Thames Valley. He also played 28 games for Fiji and was part of one of their most successful squads that made it to the 2007 World Cup quarterfinals.

As a coach, he was able to repeat the feat at the 2023 World Cup, where Fiji made the quarterfinals for the third time ever. Additionally, Dewes has been a specialist forward and scrum coach for the Blues A, Blues U20s, and the Northland Taniwha since 2020.

The Chiefs also confirmed that Nick White and Ross Filipo will not return to their Chiefs coaching roles in 2025.

Part of the Chiefs since 2018, Nick White, has been instrumental in strengthening the front row and the teams scrummaging in his seven years with the side.

Meanwhile, former Chief Ross Filipo joined the Chiefs in 2023 with a focus on refining the team’s lineouts and forward play.

Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said: “We are extremely grateful for the contribution that Nick and Ross have made to the Gallagher Chiefs. They are great people, and we wish them all the best with their future endeavours.”

Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said: “We are glad to have coaches of Graham and Jono’s calibre as part of the team. Graham has jumped the ranks a bit by going from NPC to international coaching, but having the experience he’s gained with us for the coming season will be a real asset.”

Dewes said: “I’m honoured to join the Chiefs rugby family as scrum coach for 2025. This is an incredible opportunity to work alongside world-class players, coaching staff, and management. I’m excited for the challenges ahead and eager to build on the strong foundation already set in place.”

Gibbes returned to the Chiefs ahead of the 2024 season in a Resource Coach role, working across all of the club’s teams. The former Waikato, Chiefs and Māori All Blacks captain’s equally decorated coaching resume will add a lot of knowledge to the Chiefs coaching group.

“Jono has already contributed a lot to the club since re-joining us at the end of last year, and we are grateful that he has extended his role for the 2025 season,” said Graafhuis. “He is well respected by the players and staff, and we look forward to seeing the team’s development with his additional involvement."

Gibbes said: “I’m thrilled to be more involved with the Chiefs this season and have the privilege of being part of coaching the team I once played for. We have a superb group of hardworking men who are great to work with, so it’s an exciting opportunity to help them succeed.”

Dewes and Gibbes step into their new roles this week to prepare the Chiefs for their upcoming season.