Gibbes snapped up by Leinster

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Jono Gibbes has gained himself a fulltime professional coaching role just two days after announcing his playing retirement.

Irish club Leinster has confirmed their signing of the former All Black lock on a two-year deal as forwards coach.

Gibbes, 31, played eight tests for the All Blacks since making his international debut in 2004 but was forced into playing retirement on Monday with a chronic knee injury.

He said at the time that he was actively pursuing the option of joining the professional coaching ranks in Europe, an opportunity which Leinster have happily provided him.

The Michael Cheika-coached side signed Blues utility Isa Nacewa earlier this season.

"Leinster are an exciting team and having watched their progress in both the Magners League and Heineken Cup over the last few years under Michael Cheika, I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with what is undoubtedly a hugely talented group of players," Gibbes said.

"Michael has a strong reputation in the southern hemisphere and I have a lot of respect for his approach to the game, coupled with his professionalism.

"The rugby traditions in Ireland are strong and as the reigning Magners League champions, there is a strong core structure to build on.

"With Alan Gaffney re-joining the club alongside Kurt McQuilkin who has done a good job since his return last year as defence coach, I am also looking forward to working alongside the existing coaching team.

"The province has also recruited strongly in players over the summer months and I am aware of the team's ambition to improve. Rocky Elsom, CJ Van Der Linde and Isa Nacewa have been stalwarts for their franchises in the Super 14 for many years and each will bring their own specific skills and ability to the panel.

"I am excited about the prospect of joining Leinster at what is a hugely promising period for the team."

Chieka said in a statement: "I am delighted to welcome Jonno to Leinster and I am sure that he will play a significant role in the coaching set-up that we have established.

"He is a hugely ambitious and knowledgeable student of the game with outstanding leadership skills and he will compliment the existing coaching structure in the club very well.

"Jonno has a real enthusiasm to create and work within a strong rugby culture and I know how excited he is by the prospect of working with this team and in our club. Having recently concluded an illustrious playing career, his experience of playing in, coupled with his knowledge of studying the ELV rules will be of enormous benefit to the squad."

The former Chiefs and New Zealand Maori captain has completed his Level 2 NZRU coaching principles course.

Gibbes said a coaching career was a burning desire for him, adding he had learnt a lot playing under the likes of John Mitchell, Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen.

"Any player will tell you that the day you finish playing is one of the hardest in your life," Gibbes said.

"I have always wanted to coach in a professional set-up and even though I suffered injuries over the last few years, I have gained a lot of experience working with the New Zealand representative teams, Waikato and Chiefs' sides over my professional playing career."