Gibbes coy on La Rochelle job as Ulster tenure ends

Departing coach Jono Gibbes was obviously elated that he is leaving on a high despite the traumas beforehand. “Losing two players in the warm-up wasn’t good,” said he said.

“I’m absolutely delighted for the players. The line in the sand they drew after the Cardiff defeat and then that block of four wins. It will be useful footage for next season. It will be the best parts of what Ulster are.”

Then despite an earlier sidestep, Gibbes admitted that he held talks with French Top 14 side La Rochelle over coffee last Thursday when Ulster players had a day off ahead of yesterday’s game.