Munster and Ulster close to finalising deals for new coaches

The Irish provincial scene is in rude health and should be boosted by these two coaching arrivals.

Les Kiss is to get some much-needed coaching help up at Ulster, with reports this morning linking Clermont forwards coach Jono Gibbes to a head coaching role next season. The Kiwi, who was forwards coach at Leinster for six years, has been with the Top 14 outfit for the past two seasons and has already been linked to the top job at Connacht. Gibbes has a release clause in his Clermont contract that would allow him to talk to clubs offering him a head coach position. The Sunday Times believes a deal is near and has been approved by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. Meanwhile, in France, Le Figaro is reporting that former Toulouse forward Régis Sonnes has been approached by Munster Rugby to become forwards coach. Sonnes had been coaching the Bordeaux Bégles forwards for the four seasons but, last season, he made a switch to Ireland that surprised many. The 44-year-old took a pay-cut to become Director of Rugby at Bandon RFC, who play in the Munster Junior League. Sonnes will also take up a similar role with Bandon Grammar School, who have some good pedigree in Munster Senior and Junior Cup competitions. He has been in to Munster Rugby to chat with director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and, with the coaching staff needing an extra, experienced body, he looks to have been given the shout. Neither province has confirmed the coaching connections but more may become clear with their midweek press briefings.