Jono Gibbes

Who is Jono Gibbes?

Jonathan Brian Gibbes is the forwards coach of Leinster Rugby in Ireland and former New Zealand rugby union player who captained Waikato, the Chiefs and the New Zealand Māori rugby union team, and appeared in various All 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 194 cm, 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 line-out 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 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 clearly suffering from cramp but miraculously 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.