18 May 2018

Jono Gibbes will return next week

12:11 pm on 18 May 2018

It appears that Waikato will have their coach Jono Gibbes for the upcoming domestic rugby competition.

The outgoing Ulster coach visited the French club La Rochelle leading to speculation that he would ditch his return to New Zealand to instead take up the French club job.

Jono Gibbes.

Jono Gibbes. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The former All Black was named Waikato coach in March.

Ulster granted Gibbes' an early release from his contract to return to New Zealand for family reasons.

Ulster could not comment on French media reports that Gibbes was being pursued by La Rochelle.

The former Leinster and Clermont Auvergne forwards coach flew to the west coast of France during a rest day for the Ulster squad.

The BBC says Gibbes' visit to France was more to keep a good relationship with La Rochelle for future years in case it was needed.

They say Gibbes will return to New Zealand next week as planned.

The 41-year-old Gibbes, was promoted to the role of head coach at Kingspan Stadium in January following the departure of director of rugby Les Kiss and led the side to a four-match unbeaten run at the end of the regular season.

La Rochelle finished outside the play-off places in the Top14 table this season and are seeking a successor to Patrice Collazo, who stepped down after seven years in charge.

-BBC/RNZ