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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)
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)
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Solomons to step down as Ulster coach
Ulster coach Alan Solomons has announced he is to step down in his capacity as director of rugby to take over as coach at Northampton. The South African will take over the Zurich Premiership side when his contract with Ulster ends in May. It is expected that Solomons will take his current assistant coach, Adrian Kennedy to England with him.
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