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11th January 2017
04:04pm GMT

The Kiwi, who played Super Rugby with the Chiefs and lined out for the All Blacks and New Zealand Maoris, was in the running for the head coach job at Leinster before Matt O'Connor's arrival.
He moved to France and his work with Clermont has been lauded. He has taken on more coaching responsibilities in recent years and now feels he is ready for a greater challenge.
Gibbes worked under Ireland coach Joe Schmidt at Leinster for three seasons and has stayed in contact with him since 2013 and Schmidt's elevation to the national team.
Former Connacht player, and current Grenoble coach, Bernard Jackman expressed an interest in the Connacht job last month.
Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy has ruled out of a move for the top job but, we understand, Gibbes is the man Connacht want.
SportsJOE contacted Connacht Rugby for a comment but none was forthcoming at time of publication.Explore more on these topics: