Jono Gibbes clears speculation after joining Waikato

It seems Jono Gibbes is locked in with Waikato, despite speculation he could jump ship after a visit to French club La Rochelle.

Gibbes featured in a social media post from Waikato Rugby, standing alongside assistant coaches and fellow ex-Mooloos Nathan White and Roger Randle.

The eight-Test All Black announced in March that he was leaving Ulster at the end of the PRO14 season, and was announced as Waikato’s new head coach shortly after.

@Mitre10Cup Head Coach, Jono Gibbes has landed at FMG Stadium Waikato to join assistant coaches, Nathan White and Roger Randle!

The 3 Waikato legends are ready to get down to business.???
Get your season membership now! https://t.co/sye3vnEIyK#WeAreWaikato #WaikatoRugby pic.twitter.com/EuEQEV6ctf

— Waikato Rugby (@WaikatoRugby) May 28, 2018

Gibbes replaces Sean Botherway at Waikato, who resigned after leading the province through one of their worst seasons where they notched just two wins and were relegated from the Premiership division of the competition.

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Despite Gibbes’ announced allegiance with Waikato in March, questions were asked when he paid Top 14 side La Rochelle – who have a vacancy at head coach – a visit just days before Ulster’s Champions Cup playoff match against Ospreys.

Gibbes was questioned over the visit, asked whether it compromised preparations for the playoff match and whether it left a ‘sour taste’ in his relationship with Ulster.

The 41-year-old had cited wanting to head home with family as a reason for his resignation from the club.

Earlier in the month, Waikato Rugby Union CEO Blair Foote had told Fairfax he had been in talks with Gibbes and that “if something has changed between now and then, we don’t know about that.”

Gibbes and Waikato are set to kick off their 2018 Mitre 10 Cup campaign on August 18 against Manawatu.

Gibbes represented the province 64 times between 2000 and 2007.

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