- Jono Gibbes
Jonathan Brian Gibbes (born
22 January 1977 in Henderson) is the forwards coach ofLeinster Rugby inIreland and formerNew Zealand rugby union player who captained Waikato, the Chiefs and theNew Zealand Māori rugby union team , and appeared in variousAll Blacks teams.Gibbes traditionally plays at the position of Blindside Flanker, or No.6, but has also played at Lock. Due to his height of 194cm, he has often been overlooked by the All Black selectors for being too short for an international class lock.
Weighing in at 109 kg, Gibbes's career has been plagued by injury. Nonetheless his lineout jumping skills are more than 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 theBritish Lions 19-13. During the match, which was played at Waikato and Chiefs home ground of Waikato Stadium, Gibbes was on the ground clearly suffering from cramp but miraculously staggered to his feet to make a try-saving tackle.On 13 June 2006, it was announced that Jono 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.In July 2008 it was announced that Gibbes had been appointed as
Forwards Coach ofLeinster Rugby inIreland . [http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/members/index.asp?docID=2299]References
External links
* [http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/members/index.asp?locID=777&docID=2300 Leinster Rugby Staff Profile]
* [http://www.chiefs.co.nz/The-Team/Player-Profiles-/Jono-Gibbes-%28Captain%29/ Chiefs profile]
*All Blacks|id=1039|name=Jono Gibbes
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