The Waratahs have appointed former New South Wales and Wallabies lock Roger Davis as their new chairman.

Davis is Consulting Director at Rothschild Australia Limited, past Chair of Charterhall Office Management, and currently holds a number of other non-Executive Board positions.

Born in Sydney, Davis represented the Waratahs on 10 occasions between 1973 and 1978 and earned three Test caps for the Wallabies, all against the All Blacks in 1974.  He joined the Waratahs Rugby Board in June this year.

Following his unanimous appointment Davis said his first priority as chairman was the successful appointment of a new head coach.  

"As a Board, we are determined to ensure the Waratahs and New South Wales have a successful culture that is rewarding for fans, players and partners.  

"The appointment of a new coach is key to achieving this result. A thorough recruitment process is well underway and we are confident that the knowledge and experience of the sub-committee and the rigour of our process will deliver the best long-term outcome for everyone involved in rugby in New South Wales," he added.

Davis' appointment comes three weeks after Edwin Zemancheff stepped down after over two years at the helm of the Waratahs.  

Awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University in 1974, Davis completed a Post graduate Master of Philosophy degree.

A qualified Accountant, he also holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) degree from the University of Sydney and is an Old Boy of The King's School.