Gibbes signs on with Welsh Ospreys

Chiefs and New Zealand Maori rugby captain Jono Gibbes will join Ospreys on a three-year contract, the Welsh club confirmed today.

He is the second former All Black to be signed up by the club over the last few weeks, after halfback Justin Marshall moved there last month.

"We are delighted to announce the signing of Jono," Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy said.

"He is a top-quality international rugby player and his signing, along with that of Justin Marshall, signals our intent to be a far more competitive team in European rugby next season.

"Jono is a proven leader of men and will bring a wealth of experience to our squad for what is already an eagerly anticipated season."

Gibbes, 29 and a flanker/lock capped eight times, is currently captaining the New Zealand Maori team in the Churchill Cup being played in the United States and Canada.

He is contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2006 but has asked the union for an early release.

British rugby officials and fans watched the Auckland-born Gibbes captained NZ Maori to a memorable win over the Lions last year, and won his last All Blacks cap against Clive Woodward's team.

The Ospreys have released former Wales centre Leigh Davies and a former Waikato teammate of Gibbes, Damian Karauna.

Utility back Karauna, who played sevens for New Zealand, arrived in Wales last October with another New Zealander -- former All Black Adrian Cashmore, but they failed to make a major impression.

Cashmore was hampered by a back injury that forced his retirement.

"The end of a season is always a difficult time, but it is vital that you always look to balance and refresh the squad," Ospreys coach Lyn Jones said.

The runaway 2004-5 Celtic League champions endured a miserable, injury-ravaged 2005-6.

But with the recruitment of the likes of Gibbes and Marshall they should have a formidable roster for next season.

- NZPA