Jono Gibbes

Jonathan Brian Gibbes (born 22 January 1977) is the current director of rugby at La Rochelle. He is the former forwards coach of Leinster in Ireland and Clermont Auvergne in France while also serving as head coach of Ulster in Ireland. He is also a former New Zealand rugby union player who captained Waikato, the Chiefs and the Māori All Blacks, and appeared in various All Blacks teams.

Gibbes traditionally played at the position of Blindside Flanker, or No.6, but has also played at Lock. Due to his height of 194 cm, he was overlooked by the All Black selectors for being too short for an international class lock.

Weighing 109 kg, Gibbes's career was plagued by injury. Nonetheless his line-out jumping skills were impressive, and under the guidance of John Mitchell was selected as captain of the Waikato NPC team in 2003. Despite various appearances for the All Blacks, Gibbes highest career achievement was captaining the NZ Maori to their first ever victory over the British Lions 19–13. During the match, which was played at Waikato and Chiefs home ground of Waikato Stadium, Gibbes was on the ground suffering from cramp but staggered to his feet to make a try-saving tackle.

On 13 June 2006, it was announced that Gibbes would be joining the Ospreys in Wales. On 6 September 2006 however, the NZRU and Waikato announced that he has signed a new three-year contract with them. The 2007 season saw Gibbes remain in New Zealand and continue with the Chiefs, with injury again affecting his availability.