Hunter Wildfires have today announced former Waratahs coach Darren Coleman as the club's new Director of Rugby, where he'll work alongside brother and continuing first grade coach Scott.

“Being from a small country town, the Wildfires was my first serious rugby club way back in 1995 and 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," Coleman said in a statement released by the club.

"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 it's great to be back”

Coleman will start in the role immediately and said he wants to bring success to Newcastle and help further the development pathway re-established in recent years by his brother and first grade coach Scott Coleman, club president Brett Sutherland and general manager Stu Pinkerton.

“Aspirational Newcastle and Country players don’t have to go to Sydney to be in a high performance program that can lead them into professional rugby and aside from providing the Hunter with a winning Rugby team, we will be aiming to produce as many professional Rugby players through our program," Coleman said.

Hunter's first grade Shute Shield side made the finals last season and had several players earn professional contracts overseas.

The Wildfires missed the finals this year but remain ambitious about the program's future both on and off the field.

“This is a very significant appointment for the Wildfires and it shows a real belief from Darren about the program," club president Brett 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.

"The Wildfires are guaranteed another 3 years in the Shute Shield and it’s exciting to have Darren in charge”