Former Chiefs hardman Jono Gibbes named head coach
Photo:
Photosport
Waikato legend Jono Gibbes has been named as head coach of the Chiefs
The former Chiefs, Waikato and NZ Maori captain will take the reigns from the departing Clayton McMillian for the 2026 season.
A respected rugby leader with deep ties to the Chiefs region, Gibbes brings a wealth of international coaching experience to the franchise.
Gibbes has previously served as head coach for European powerhouses La Rochelle, Clermont and Ulster, and most recently was working as an assistant to McMillian in Hamilton.
"Being part of the organisation for the past two years has given me a real appreciation for what's been built here and how this team has grown into a consistent, competitive unit," Gibbes said.
"My job now is to help maintain that consistency and keep pushing to unlock the full potential of this team. We have a strong foundation and a lot of talent, so I'm excited about what we can achieve."
Jonno Gibbes during the All Blacks Test match against England at Carisbrook, Dunedin, New Zealand, on Saturday 12 June, 2004.
Photo:
Photosport
A proud Waikato man, Gibbes captained both Waikato and the Chiefs, earning a combined 132 appearances.
He also captained the Māori All Blacks to a historic win over the British & Irish Lions in 2005 and played eight Test matches.
Gibbes led Waikato to a National Provincial Championship title as Head Coach, before being appointed to lead the New Zealand U20s in 2023.
Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said this was a a natural progression for Gibbes.
"He understands the fabric of this club, the importance of our provincial unions, and the aspirations of our team and community. We're excited to move forward with Jono at the helm, and I know he's ready to make our people proud."
McMillan said that he leaves the team is in "superb hands."
"The coaching, management and playing group has a lot of continuity and cohesion, which is a strong foundation to build from. I have no doubt this group will lead the Chiefs to great things."
Jono Gibbes
Photo:
PHOTOSPORT
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- RNZ News
Black Sticks won't play in 'expensive' Pro League
Black Sticks men celebrate their win at the 2025 Nations Cup in Malaysia. Photo: WORLDSPORTPICS / PHOTOSPORT The Black Sticks will not participate in the FIH Pro League after Hockey New Zealand's concerns about the "expensive, travel-heavy" format were not addressed. New Zealand qualified for the top-tier men's competition by winning the Nations Cup last month , but the governing body said the current Pro League format was "misaligned with New Zealand's high-performance goals". The decision to withdraw was made following consultation with players, coaches and key stakeholders. Hockey New Zealand said they had "long advocated for a more flexible and inclusive Pro League model" and while the international governing body FIH is reviewing the competition "no changes have yet been made". Acting chief executive officer Ken Maplesden said the current format was "expensive, travel-heavy, and limits home games". "It doesn't support the sustainable, athlete-first programme we're building in New Zealand." The Black Sticks women also turned down their Pro League spot, earned by winning the Nations Cup in March, due to similar challenges. Maplesden believed opting out of the League highlighted the "structural barriers facing geographically remote nations like New Zealand" in the current competition set-up. "This wasn't taken lightly. We're proud of what both teams achieved to qualify. But after consultation with athletes and staff, it became clear the Pro League isn't workable for us right now." Returning to the Pro League remained a goal for Hockey New Zealand as long as it did not compromise a sustainable high-performance programme. Black Sticks men coach Greg Nicol said the decision not to play was in line with the New Zealand programme's aim of "prioritising wellbeing, smart preparation, and long-term success. We want to play the best, but not at the cost of people or the programme". The decision is supported by the New Zealand Hockey Players Association (NZHPA) and the organisation's executive manager Glen Sulzberger said the players " desperately" want to be part of top-level international hockey. "That right to participate should not come at such a high cost to them as players, and also to the game in New Zealand," Sulzberger said. "What is clear is that the Pro League does not meet its original objectives, nor has it evolved to become a viable competition. The FIH is failing its duty to the game." Black Sticks player Sam Lane said it was "disappointing" not to be able to compete after qualifying. "We understand the challenges with the league and implore the FIH to properly engage and listen to what athletes have to say," Lane said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
6 hours ago
- RNZ News
NZ swimmers touch down in Singapore for Aquatics Championships
A team of 12 New Zealand swimmers, including two defending world champions, have touched down in Singapore ahead of the World Aquatics Championships. Six athletes will make their Aquablack debut at the competition which started with open water swimming and will end in the pool. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- RNZ News
Coroner wants law change in corporate boxing
A coroner wants to see a law change when it comes to corporate boxing and for more stringent controls over such events after the death of Christchurch man Kain Parsons. Mr Parsons died following 30 blows to the head in a charity bout seven years ago. His family now want to see corporate boxing banned but are mostly backing the coroner's call for tougher controls. Adam Burns reports. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
