The 30-year-old fly-half, who joined Warriors for a successful three-month loan period at the end of the 2008-09 season, has signed a deal that will keep him at Sixways Stadium until at least 2011.

The rormer Gloucester No.10, who will be an English qualified player next season under residency rules, played nine games on loan for Warriors last season and produced many match winning displays as he scored 74 points, including a try against Guinness Premiership finalists London Irish.

"We are convinced that Willie will add something extra to our squad and his reputation as a quality front line goal kicker also adds to the significance of this signing," said Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock.

Gibbes, 36, was Hanks' assistant coach last season and was assistant coach of the Japanese national team at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Scott McLeod, who is currently skills coach with the Chiefs and last year was skills coach with the Waikato team, is appointed assistant to Gibbes.

Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Graham Bowen said, "Chris is a through and through Waikato man, who epitomises the traditions of Waikato Rugby. He is passionate about the union and demonstrates this on a daily basis having worked closely with a number of players, coaches and managers in the province."