Magners League Official Website : Jono Gibbes on his way to the Ospreys

Jono Gibbes on his way to the Ospreys

13 June 2006, 1:25 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

The Ospreys have confirmed that former All Black Jono Gibbes has signed a 3 year contract with the region and that he has obtained his UK work permit. Meaning he will be playing at the Liberty Stadium until at least the end of the2008-09 season

The 29 year old Auckland born Gibbes has won eight All Blacks caps and will join from the Waikato Chiefs, where he was captain for the recent Super 14 season. Gibbes was the inspirational Captain of the New Zealand Maori team for their historic win over the British and Irish Lions last summer and also featured for the All Blacks in the Lions series whitewash. Jono is currently captaining the Maori team at this summer's Churchill Cup.

Gibbes currently has a contract with the New Zealand RFU which runs until the end of the 2006 season and he has officially requested an early release from this agreement

"We are delighted to announce the signing of Jono,” said Ospreys managing Director Mike Cuddy. “He is a top-quality international rugby player and his signing, along with that of Justin Marshall, signals our intent to be a far more competitive team in European rugby next season. Jono is a proven leader of men and will bring a wealth of experience to our squad for what is already an eagerly anticipated season"