Leinster forwards coach Jono Gibbes has supported the announcement of Josef Schmidt as the next Leinster boss, while keeping his options open for once Schmidt begins his tenure.
The current assistant of Clermont Auvergne will take over from Michael Cheika and has signed a three-year-deal.
Gibbes believes the future is bright for the reigning Heineken Cup champions:
'Now that the club have announced who the coach is for next season, it means that there's a degree of stability and there's no kind of smoky mirrors and everything moves on.
‘I played against some of the teams that Joe coached and he's highly regarded in New Zealand.
'Of all the backs coaches going around, it's his name that keeps popping up as someone who's a real “out of the box” thinker.
‘His ideas are probably different to some of the established coaches in New Zealand rugby.
‘He's cutting edge and everyone who I've spoken to has a lot of good things to say about him.’
Gibbes did not give much away about his own future: ‘As regards my situation, we're sorting some stuff out and seeing what my options are.
‘I have really enjoyed my time here. It seems like the time has gone really quick and I really enjoy the players I work with.
'I really enjoy that the forwards, who I work on a daily basis with, are highly motivated, pretty intelligent and deep thinking rugby guys.
‘And they're proud of being Leinstermen. I've learned a lot from them and it's quite stimulating to come to work and enjoy the people that you work with.’
