Gibbes urges caution over Pro14’s future expansion plans
OUTGOING Ulster coach Jono Gibbes has cautioned against expanding the Pro14 too quickly. The former All Black, who was Leinster forwards coach for six seasons to 2014, believes the competition has improved immeasurably but should not be expanded too quickly. He wants to depart Belfast next week on a high note having secured Champions Cup rugby for next season when they take on Ospreys in a playoff at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday. The 41-year-old, who is returning to New Zealand to take charge of Waikato, has spent just a year in Ulster but says it was a positive experience for him and his family. ‘Probably in about six months or a year’s time I will reflect even further,’ he admitted. ‘But there are some really good lessons I have learnt from this experience, the day-to-day and then you just move on to the next job. But some things for me, I like who I work with, I like the staff, that has been a really massive, positive thing for us.’ Gibbes said he has been impressed by the addition of the South African teams and while he believes the Kings and the Cheetahs will be stronger next season, he does not think more teams should be added for some time. ‘I know the results probably don’t reflect it but the injection of the South Africans has brought enthusiasm and has brought something positive around the competition. ‘There are always pros and cons about expansion for sure and I fully support the introduction earlier this year. All that was done very hastily with the Kings and the Cheetahs but it has been a positive thing. ‘But even then, the expansion with just two teams came with ramifications off-field, the organisation and stuff like that wasn’t easy, those are just the challenges around expansion. ‘I think the league has taken a massive step forward this year but for me I wouldn’t be just rushing into it and I would advise consolidate and watch it, making it better and more efficient, a bit more cohesive logistically and then build on strong foundations.’ Ulster’s turbulent year could finish with them in the European Challenge Cup next season for the first time unless they can defeat Ospreys. Gibbes has concerns over the fact they have not played in three weeks, and have suffered a string of injuries in the back row. ‘The biggest fear on Sunday is just being disjointed,’ he continued. ‘That break, the three weeks, make it into a stop-start messy affair and that’s the challenge.’