13/02/2017

Ulster Rugby Name New Head Coach

Ulster Rugby has named Jono Gibbes as its new head coach.

The 40-year-old will join the club on a two-year deal this summer.

Gibbes, who is a former New Zealand player himself, is currently forwards coach at French side Clermont Auvergne. He previously worked at Leinster Rugby, helping the team to three Heineken Cup victories.

Gibbes will work under Les Kiss, Ulster's Director of Rugby. It is unclear as to the future role of current head coach Neil Doak.

In a statement, Gibbes said: "The respect I have for Les as a coach and person was one of my main reasons for making this decision. Les 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."

Les Kiss added: "Jono's CV speaks for itself and I know that he's looking forward to joining Ulster and working with the team. Since his retirement from playing, Jono has had an integral role in the coaching teams of two of European rugby's most successful sides.

"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."

(JP/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 February 2018
Les Kiss Leaves Post As Director Of Rugby
Les Kiss is to leave his post as Director of Rugby with immediate effect, Ulster Rugby has confirmed. Head Coach Jono Gibbs will assume responsibility for all coaching matters and will lead the current coaching team of Dwayne Peel, Aaron Dundon and Niall Malone. A review will be carried out to ascertain if additional coaching expertise is required.
26 February 2024
Man Wanted On Murder Charge In Spain Arrested In Craigavon
A 22-year-old man wanted in Spain in connection with a murder investigation has been arrested in Craigavon. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit and Lurgan Local Policing Team worked with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to track the wanted person down to an address in the Craigavon area on Friday 23rd February.
14 November 2007
Ulster Rugby Coach Gives Up Trying
Ulster Rugby’s coach has announced his departure from the top position. Speculation about Mark McCall's departure had been rife since his side lost 32-14 at home to Gloucester in Friday night's opening Heineken Cup Pool game. The coach failed to attend a post-match media conference after his side's fifth competitive defeat in seven matches.
05 February 2014
Anscombe Renews Ulster Contract
Ulster Rugby coach Mark Anscombe has signed a one-year contract extension with the team, meaning he will lead the province until the summer of 2015. Mr Anscombe joined Ulster in the summer of 2012 and led the team to an unbeaten 16 game run.
01 March 2024
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.