Jono Gibbes is to become Ulster’s new head coach for the 2017/18 northern hemisphere season, the Irish province announced Monday.
The 40-year-old New Zealander, who has signed a two-year-deal with the Celtic League side, is currently the forwards coach with French club Clermont.
Gibbes, capped eight times by the All Blacks, has previous coaching experience in Ireland having been forwards coach of another provincial side in Dublin-based Leinster from 2008-2014.
Next season will see him replace Neil Doak at Ulster and Gibbes, in a club statement, said: “The respect that I have for (director of rugby) Les (Kiss), 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.
“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.”
Gibbes, who said he was looking forward to living in Belfast, added: “With six years at Leinster and three years at Clermont in the Top 14, I’ve been afforded many different experiences, working with some very talented coaches and players.
“I hope to apply what I’ve learned to the role at Ulster and my family and I are looking forward to integrating into a strong community in Belfast.”
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