TURMOIL HELPED ME GROW

JONO GIBBES believes he will depart Ulster a better coach after enduring a turbulent 12 months with the province.

Sunday’s Champions Cup play-off with Ospreys is the Kiwi’s final game at the helm as he prepares to leave Belfast.

The 41-year-old (above) is poised to return home to coach Waikato, although French giants La Rochelle are also reportedly interested in the wake of Patrice Collazo’s resignation.

It has been a testing year for Gibbes who was appointed Les Kiss’ head coach last summer, only to be elevated to the No1 spot following Kiss’ shock exit in January.

The former New Zealand forward also had to deal with the media fallout from the recent high profile trial involving Paddy Jackson and

Stuart Olding.

Asked if his experiences with Ulster have battle-hardened him, Gibbes said: “Absolutely. There have been some difficult challenges and things as a coach.

“Some of them haven’t been particularly enjoyable but that’s where you learn how you cope under a bit of stress, pressure and some real curveballs. That makes you better for sure.

“There have been some really good lessons and I have learned from this experience. There’s been a lot of challenges off the field and a lot of challenges on the field.

“But the people who I work with, I’ve enjoyed their conviction and desire to do the role as best they can. There’s a real strength in the place and it’s something they can use to move forward.”

Ireland lock Iain Henderson is ruled out of Sunday with a knee injury while Grand Slam winning captain Rory Best is doubtful with a hamstring strain.