Gibbes to become Ulster Head Coach

Ulster Rugby confirmed today that Jono Gibbes has been appointed Head Coach and will join the club at the start of next season.

The former All Black international has signed a two-year contract.

He is currently Forwards Coach at French giants ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Gibbes (40) who was with Leinster for six years between 2008 and 2014, said there were a number of contributing factors to his move back.

“The respect that I have for Les (Kiss), as a coach and as a person, was one of my main reasons for making this decision,” he said.

“He really sold his vision of where he wants to take Ulster over the next few years.

“Ulster is a team that I know well, having come up against them on a number of occasions.

“The Clermont-Ulster games this season gave me an insight into the strengths of the squad and it’s exciting to think that I’ll be part of that environment from next season.”

Welcoming the news, Director of Rugby Kiss, added:

"Jono's CV speaks for itself and I know that he's looking forward to joining Ulster and working with the team. Jono has vast experience on both the playing and coaching fronts, having worked in many different environments such as Super Rugby, PRO12, the French Top 14 and European competitions.

"Since his retirement from playing, Jono has had an integral role in the coaching teams of two of European rugby's most successful sides. He was a key part of the Leinster set-up that won three Heineken Cups in four years and he has continued to be hugely successful during his time in France.

"Jono's expertise as a Forwards Coach is obvious, however his wealth of knowledge in other areas of the game will be really important for us."