Jono Gibbes is the new Chiefs head coach.
In the Chiefs’ 30-year history, two former players have become head coach of the franchise – and Te Awamutu Sports has produced them both.
Jono Gibbes at a coaching clinic at Pirongia Rugby Sports Club earlier this year. Photo: Julie Gibson
Chief #84 Jono Gibbes was named as Clayton McMillan’s successor last week and he has signed until the end of the 2027 season.
The former Māori All Blacks captain and All Black forward has added another chapter to the Gibbes brothers’ sporting legacy.
Ian Foster was the first Te Awamutu Sports alumni at the helm of the Chiefs, coaching the team from 2004 to 2011.
“Jono has done a decent apprenticeship overseas. It’s a good opportunity for him, he’s coached some high-profile clubs,” Te Awamutu Sports president Mark McNaughten said.
“He still hangs around here a bit like Ian – they’ll come back when asked, help coaching wise and a bit of resource at the club – which is always good. They don’t forget where they’ve come from.
“I think it’s great for Te Awamutu as a whole that we’re putting out top coaches and players from our small community.
“It’s good for rugby in Te Awamutu and the Waikato. Jono’s blood is from here.”
As a player, Jono was a member and leader of Foster’s squads for many years.
He played 68 games between 2001 and 2008 and is one of the franchise,s longest serving captains, serving six seasons (2003-2008).
From player to captain, resource coach, assistant coach and now head honcho, Jono has almost done it all at the Chiefs franchise.
He said Foster, John Mitchell and the late Brian Clarke and Farrell Temata were among those who instilled in him the importance of showing up and fronting up.
Jono has been part of the Chiefs environment again for the past two seasons.
“I feel grateful for the opportunity to watch how Clayton operated his style of leadership. It was a great insight for me,” Jono said.
“I can really appreciate the quality of the assistant staff and just generally here in the Chiefs, the quality people that we do have working in this organisation.”
Chris Gibbes (from left), Jono Gibbes and Ian Foster all played rugby for Te Awamutu Sports.
Like his older brother Chris, Jono has an impressive coaching resume post playing professionally.
He has won titles across the globe but is hunting a Super Rugby trophy.
Although he has travelled the world, the Waikato region is home.
He’d love to lead the franchise to their first title since 2013.
After coaching and director of rugby roles in France and Ireland, he returned to Te Awamutu with his wife and three children two years ago.
“In my other life, when I was a player, it meant a hell of a lot for me to wear the colours, red, yellow and black,” Jono said.
“Being able to come back and work here – I had a very positive experience coaching Waikato in 2018 – the feeling is you that you’re back home.
“I also know the responsibility, the expectations of the region and it is a great opportunity, but you’re also aware of the responsibilities. It’s a very proud rugby region that we have here.”
The Gibbes brothers’ passion for the game comes through with good natured family competitiveness.
Chris is a forwards coach for the Fijian Drua, the same role Jono had in the Chiefs setup this season.
“It’s always a good experience coming up against Chris. He worked in Europe at the same time I was up there, so we’ve had a number of battles over the years,” Jono said.
“Obviously it’s only the last performance that counts, so he’s ahead after our visit to the Drua this season.”
Jono appreciates having someone close to him in the coaching world.
They might not be at the same franchise, but they’re on the same team.
“The benefit for me is someone that works in the same profession and does the same role with the forwards,” Jono said.
“He’s a great resource for me, to bounce some ideas off and share experiences that we’ve had.
“Sometimes coaching is a bit lonely, being able to talk to someone who really understands what you go through is of great benefit.”
Jono Gibbes is the new Chiefs head coach. Photo: Julie Gibson
