Chiefs and Waikato lock Jono Gibbes today announced his retirement from all rugby. Gibbes, 31, has succumbed to an on-going injury to his left knee and has reached a point where he is unable to continue in a playing capacity.

 “I simply can’t play how I used to with my knee injury.  It is a hard thing to come to terms with because my heart is still in the game, but the simple truth is that my knee is no longer up to it.”

Gibbes, a former All Black and New Zealand Maori representative, said his decision to retire was the right thing to do from a personal and team perspective.

“While I would have loved to have played more games in the red, yellow and black jersey this season, the reality is that I would have failed to meet my playing commitments and this would be a disservice to the team.”
 
Gibbes said there have been many highlights in his career, a lot of special memories and some great games to remember.

Gibbes’ memorable matches include the 2006 Waikato Air New Zealand Cup championship victory, the New Zealand Maori victory over the Lions at Waikato Stadium in 2005, the Chiefs victory over the Sharks in Durban in 2004.  Victories aside, Gibbes also vividly remembers the loss of the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury in Gibbes’ first year at the old Rugby Park. 

“I will miss being a player. It is a unique shared experience being part of a rugby team.  There are some incredible, almost indescribable moments that come with playing in front of crowds that support you or even when they are against you. I have been fortunate to play alongside a lot of guys that embodied what the colours were about, and I learned a lot from them.  I tried my best to be a Waikato man.”

“On the coaching front I had a special bond with Ian Foster. The coach and captain relationship is a significant one and one that I have enjoyed immensely in my time with the Chiefs. For Waikato this season I believe Tony Hanks will bring a fresh approach which will stimulate the environment.  It is unfortunate that I will miss the chance to work with my brother Chris, who alongside Scott McLeod, is already having a positive impact on the team.  The scene is set for a good competition for the Mooloo men.”

 “Throughout my rugby career I have been privileged to have incredible support from my family – I tried my best to represent them every time I played.”

“Retiring from playing is a tough decision to make but now that I have come to terms with it, I’m ready to move into the next stage in my life, which I hope will still involve rugby. I am currently pursuing an opportunity to coach in the Northern Hemisphere.”

Waikato Rugby Union Chief Executive Graham Bowen said: “Jono was an inspirational player in the red, yellow and black jersey and a crowd favourite with our supporters.  He showed grit and determination to often overcome injury over the years and it is a great shame his knee injury has put an end to a successful rugby career.”

Chiefs franchise Chief Executive Gary Dawson said: “Jono was a great servant of Chiefs rugby and captained his side with great pride and passion.  His presence on and off the field will be greatly missed by all.  He represented his province, franchise and country with distinction.  We wish him all the best in the future.”

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said: “Jono has given tremendous service to Waikato, the Chiefs, and rugby in New Zealand in general. As a leader he epitomises the qualities that make him one of the game’s most respected and admired players and individuals. Amongst his many career highlights was his inspirational leadership of the New Zealand Maori in their victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2005, which epitomised everything that is good about Jono. We wish him well as he embarks on the new chapter of this life and we look forward to Jono returning to contribute further to rugby in New Zealand in the future.”

Te Awamutu-raised Gibbes made his All Blacks debut in June 2004 against England in Dunedin.  He played a total of eight Test matches for New Zealand.

At provincial level Gibbes played 64 games for Waikato making his debut against the West Coast in Greymouth in 2000. For his Rebel Sport Super 14 franchise the Chiefs, he played a total of 68 games.  He captained the side for six consecutive seasons.  He first played for the Chiefs against the Waratahs in 2001. 

Gibbes played nine games for New Zealand Maori, and was captain in the historic victory over the Lions in 2005 and their successful Churchill Cup campaign in 2006.

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