Shute Shield's Wildfires sign ex-Waratahs coach Coleman

Former NSW Waratahs coach Darren Coleman is returning to the Shute Shield as director of rugby for the Hunter Wildfires.

The Waratahs opted against offering Coleman another contract after his injury-ravaged side finished last in this year's Super Rugby Pacific competition.

But the 51-year-old has been swiftly snapped up by the Wildfires, the only non-Sydney club competing in the Shute Shield.

Coleman, who coached the Wildfires in 1996-97, will start immediately and has already hit the ground running with meetings on Monday in Newcastle.

His younger brother Scott will remain as head coach role with Coleman to oversee the whole rugby program.

"Being from a small country town, the Wildfires was my first serious rugby club way back in 1995," he said.

"I remember the opportunities as a 21-year-old the club afforded me to play against Super Rugby and international players from here in Newcastle.

"It set me up for 25-plus years of professional involvement in the sport. I started here so it's now a full circle and is great to be back."

Club president Brett Sutherland hailed Coleman's arrival as a significant appointment for the Wildfires, who are guaranteed at least three more years in the Shute Shield.

"And it shows a real belief from Darren about the program," Sutherland said.

"We feel Darren can have a broad impact across the region and one of his first comments after accepting the role was about getting straight to work and developing relationships with all of the Hunter rugby community."