Jono Gibbes
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Brian Gibbes (born 22 January 1977 in Henderson) 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 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 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. 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 of Leinster Rugby
in Ireland.
In August 2011, Gibbes embarked on a short lived boxing career which resulted in a TKO at the hands of his opponent, George "These guilty feet have got no rhythm" Michael Murray, during his first and thus far only fight.
Gibbes is also infamous for the quote: "Nobody in Rugby should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." .
Leinster Rugby
Leinster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Leinster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Dublin, representing the Irish province of Leinster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro 12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
in Ireland and former New Zealand rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
player who captained Waikato
Waikato Rugby Union
The Waikato Rugby Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the Waikato area in the North Island of New Zealand. Its senior representative team competes in the ITM Cup , and won the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup in 2006.Waikato Rugby Union was founded in 1921...
, the Chiefs and the New Zealand Māori rugby union team
New Zealand Maori rugby union team
New Zealand Māori is a rugby union team that traditionally plays teams touring New Zealand. A prerequisite for playing in this team is that the player is to have Māori whakapapa or genealogy. In the past this rule was not strictly applied. In the past non-Māori players who looked Māori were often...
, and appeared in various All Blacks
All Blacks
The New Zealand men's national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport....
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 line-out jumping skills are more than impressive and under the guidance of John Mitchell
John Mitchell (rugby player)
John Eric Paul Mitchell, is a noted former rugby union player and former coach for the New Zealand All Blacks. Mitchell's rugby career blossomed with the club side Fraser-Tech after he moved from King Country in 1984 and was soon elected Waikato Colts captain...
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
British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
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. 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 of Leinster Rugby
Leinster Rugby
Leinster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Leinster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Dublin, representing the Irish province of Leinster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro 12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
in Ireland.
In August 2011, Gibbes embarked on a short lived boxing career which resulted in a TKO at the hands of his opponent, George "These guilty feet have got no rhythm" Michael Murray, during his first and thus far only fight.
Gibbes is also infamous for the quote: "Nobody in Rugby should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." .