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Gibbes to coach Ulster, Azema extends Clermont contract
By Christopher Devine
Jono Gibbes will leave his role as forwards coach of Clermont Auvergne to take charge of Ulster from the start of the 2017-18 season.
Both clubs confirmed the news on Monday, as Clermont also revealed head coach Franck Azema had signed a new contract keeping him with the Top 14 side until June 2020.
Former All Black Gibbes previously worked on the coaching staff at Leinster and will succeed Neil Doak as Ulster's head coach.
Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss said: "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.
"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."
BREAKING: We can confirm that Jono Gibbes will join us as Head Coach from this summer pic.twitter.com/7VJeiXq19j
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) February 13, 2017
Gibbes, who has signed a two-year contract with Ulster, added: "The respect that I have for Les, as a coach and as a person, was one of my main reasons for making this decision. He really sold his vision of where he wants to take Ulster over the next few years."
Clermont sit second in the Top 14 and Azema said of his new deal: "I am very happy and proud to continue what I started here. This is good proof of confidence on the part of the club."
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Latest Comments
Thanks for a most interesting article, Brett. The build up to Lions tours is always fun, and these articles are great for discussion, and in my case education, as I don’t always get round to watching all the Super games fully.
For example I had not realised Hodgeman was 31, thought he was younger. So he is right in that age bracket where props down the ages often reach their peak. With his NZ background, he is a huge asset to have, first at Qld, second for the WB’s.
Daugunu, yes, and the time at the Rebels has seen his game refined, he is strong candidate. The player I would add to the list is Josh Canham. Not many mentioning him atm, but at 2.02 m and 116 kgs, and the way he is playing for the Reds, I would be looking at him as strong WB squad member. Uru I really like, as he brings a lot of flair with his game.
Good to hear you report that Schmidt is now not ruling Langi Gleeson out of Lions games contention. Wise move, as he is having now a very strong season, even outstanding. Good to see potential now being realised.
I would think Carlo Tizzano would also be one that Schmidt is looking at with interest. He has workrd hard to get to where he now is, and is having a very strong season. Sam Cane type player, a hard man. I guess he is a worthy successor to that great Force 7 of times past, Matt Hodgson.
Go to commentsIDK what your on about, a lot of people down here were very much tuned in on the All Blacks
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