Chris Gibbes, the former head coach of the Maori All Blacks, has been appointed as the new forwards coach for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua. Gibbes, who has also held coaching positions with the Hurricanes, Wellington, and Waikato, will focus on training the Drua forwards for the upcoming Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
He recently served as the Senior Assistant Coach at the Hurricanes from 2019 to 2023 and notably led the Maori All Blacks to a significant 32-17 victory against Ireland in 2018. Gibbes previously coached Wellington in New Zealand’s NPC, where he guided the team to promotion to the premiership division in 2017 and reached the semifinals in his second season in 2018.
In 2008, he was the head coach of Waikato (NPC) and served as the forwards coach for the Japan national team during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. As a player, Gibbes competed as a tough second-row forward, participating in 44 matches for Hawkes Bay, Waikato, Thames Valley, and the New Zealand Colts from 1994 to 2002.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Gibbes commented, “Having the opportunity to join this club is incredibly exciting, and I’m determined to add value to the strong foundation that has been built so far. The Drua have a very exciting playing roster, a quality backroom staff, and a highly motivated coaching team that I look forward to being a part of.”
He also highlighted his personal connection to Fiji, mentioning that his grandmother is from Rotuma and his father was born in Suva, stating, “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and thrilled to grow this connection. I can’t wait to get started.”
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans praised Gibbes, noting his impressive record in New Zealand and other rugby markets. “He is the perfect mentor for our forwards as we push to make an even bigger impact in Super Rugby Pacific. Chris’ focus on instilling dominance in the pack complements our incoming head coach Glen Jackson’s plans well for the upcoming season,” Evans said. He added that Gibbes’ previous head coaching experience would be invaluable for the young players in the squad.
Gibbes succeeds Greg Fleming, who has transitioned to a role as the club’s defence coach.