Jono Gibbes new man in charge for Waikato
Just days after the announcement that he is leaving Pro14 side Ulster at the end of the season, Jono Gibbes has been named the new head coach of Waikato's Mitre 10 Cup team.
When Gibbes announced his departure from Ulster, he cited family reasons as the main influence on his decision.
"Being a long way from home for the last ten years has made me prioritise things above my career and so I'll be returning at the end of this season for family reasons."
41-year-old Gibbes takes over a Waikato side fresh off relegation.
Gibbes said “For me, it is an honour to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of previous Waikato coaches, who all contributed to the proud history of the province. With the opportunity comes the responsibility to do the colours justice. That has to be the first objective for myself and for the 2018 team.”
Waikato CEO Blair Foote said “The Waikato Rugby Union is very pleased to announce Jono Gibbes as the new Head Coach of the Mitre 10 Cup team for the 2018 season. He brings a wealth of experience and successful coaching knowledge to the position gained over the last 10 years in the European competitions, and being a former player for the province, he also brings an understanding of the pride and passion playing in a red, yellow and black jersey requires.
Gibbes played 64 matches for Waikato from 2000 to 2007.
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I’m sick to death of waiting 3 years for league players to become half decent. It cripples Australian rugby in the meantime. The Reds actually looked half competent without Vunivalu not starting last week. He’s just a liability of errors. Paisami is looking better than he has in previous years but I’d have Kerevi back in a flash. A kiwi wont tho …...
Go to commentsExcellent analysis Nick as we have come to expect. I was not really aware that NFL strategies have been adopted by rugby teams, especially in defence. One point I would make is that the Northhampton attacking player on the end of the chain in the video examples has not maintained the correct depth to be effective. In the footage shown the outside player is too flat to make the best of the opportunity his inside players have provided. In each case they have to reduce speed and turn their body backwards to secure the ball, losing all momentum and giving the impressive scrambling defence the chance to shut down the threat.
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