Chris Hickey then took on the coaching director role of the ACT Vikings Rugby Club where he took them to six grand finals and secured three championships.
[3] His tenure was met with vocal criticisms from fans who felt that his team often engaged in negative tactics and "aimless kicking".
The 2011 season was further marred by injurities to numerous players, backroom squander and financial losses due to poor attendance.
[5] Following the conclusion of the season, Hickey decided not to seek a contract extension believing that it was time for change.
He was succeeded by his assistant Michael Foley[6] He leaves with a 63.34% winning percentage, an all-time record among Waratahs coaches,[7] as well as finishing first of all Australian Super Rugby teams in the 2009 and 2010 with 5th and 3rd respectively.