Tuesday 14 February 2017 07:31, UK
Jono Gibbes has signed a two-year contract to become Ulster head coach ahead of the 2017/18 season.
The former All Black, who is currently forwards coach for Clermont Auvergne, is a familiar face in Irish rugby having occupied the same position with Leinster from 2008 to 2014.
Gibbes helped guide Leinster to three Heineken Cup titles during his time with the province as he worked under both Michael Cheika and Joe Schmidt.
The 40-year-old New Zealander, who will replace Neil Doak at Kingspan Stadium, is looking forward to returning to Ireland and working alongside Ulster's director of rugby Les Kiss.
"The respect that I have for Les, as a coach and as a person, was one of my main reasons for making this decision," Gibbes 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.
"With six years at Leinster and 3 years at Clermont in the Top 14, I've been afforded many different experiences, working with some very talented coaches and players. I hope to apply what I've learned to the role at Ulster and my family and I are looking forward to integrating into a strong community in Belfast."
Kiss expects Gibbes' appointment to be one of a number of changes to Ulster's coaching staff for next season.
Ulster, who finished bottom of their pool in the Champions Cup, snapped a four-game losing run in all competitions with a 24-18 bonus-point victory over Edinburgh in the PRO12 on Friday.
"Jono's CV speaks for itself and I know that he's looking forward to joining Ulster and working with the team," Kiss said.
"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.
"A review of the coaching structure is ongoing ahead of next season and the appointment of Jono as head coach is the first part of that process. A further announcement will be made in the coming weeks, which will focus on getting the right balance in our coaching team."
