Lineout giant Gibbes stays put

Jono Gibbes has extended his contract with the NZRFU until the end of 2009. Picture / Sarah Ivey

It's been bubbling along for almost three months, but yesterday Jono Gibbes ended the speculation by re-signing with the New Zealand Rugby Union for three years.

Gibbes, 29, has been linked with Welsh club Ospreys since the club prematurely revealed the former All Black had signed with them in mid-June.

He would have joined another former All Black Justin Marshall at the club. But yesterday, the union announced Gibbes wasn't going anywhere.

He has extended his contract until the end of 2009, and Wellington centre Conrad Smith has signed on until the end of 2008.

Gibbes has played eight tests at lock or blindside flanker (but none since the second test against the Lions in Wellington 14 months ago) and has had his share of injuries.

However, given his proven lineout prowess, and the All Blacks underperforming in that setpiece this year, Gibbes might fancy he'll be in contention for next year's World Cup campaign provided he keeps fully fit.

"Jono is a loyal person and highly regarded as a player and leader," union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said. "His contribution to rugby in this country has been exceptional and I am sure he will continue to make an outstanding contribution at all levels." At the time of the debate over whether he would be joining the Welsh club, Gibbes said the key element was that it would probably be the last contract he would sign as a player.

"You want to be pretty thorough and know that whatever decision you make you can live with it because, once you're out of the game you're a long time retired," Gibbes said then.

He may have shied away from the move in the wake of the Ospreys jumping the gun on the announcement.

Or perhaps the NZRFU improved its offer. Or perhaps when push came to shove he preferred to see out his days in familiar surroundings.

Whatever the reason, it's good news for Waikato and the Chiefs in next year's Super 14.

"He's been a mainstay of Waikato rugby for six years ... he still has a lot to offer New Zealand rugby and we look forward to his involvement with the province," Waikato chief executive Gary Dawson said yesterday.

Smith, 24, has played six tests, but is on the comeback with Wellington after breaking a leg at the start of this year's Super 14.