The Ospreys have announced forwards coach Chris Gibbes will leave the region at the end of the season to return to New Zealand.
The Kiwi is to join Wellington Lions after four years spent working in Wales under Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy.
Gibbes, 43, revealed his intention to move on as the Ospreys moved to the top of the Guinness Pro12 with a 29-7 victory over Connacht at the Liberty Stadium.
“I’ve been away from home for nearly four years now, so when this exciting opportunity came up it seemed like the right time for me. It was too good to turn down” said Gibbes.
“Wellington are a province with a proud history and real ambition for the future, combined with excellent facilities and the squad depth needed to be successful, including some great young talent. That’s an exciting mix.
“Swansea has become very much my second home and I’ve loved every moment of my time with the Ospreys. I’m definitely a better coach and a better person thanks to my time in this environment, and I’ll always be grateful for he chance I’ve had to work with some quality people, but the pull of home was too strong.
“We’ve been through some tough times here over the last few years, but all with a long-term view to build something. We are starting to see the signs of that hard work coming through and I believe that this group can only continue heading in one way. I’m proud to have played a small part in that.
“I’m really excited about taking up the new challenge but that doesn’t start until June 1st. We are only halfway through the season here and there is a lot of rugby still to play. We are well placed to compete on several fronts and my focus between now and June is entirely on ensuring the Ospreys continue to lead the way. I want to finish on a high here, helping to bring the success that the players, coaches, management and supporters at the Ospreys all crave.”
The Ospreys went to the top of the table thanks to a bonus point victory with tries came from man of the match Dan Baker, Olly Cracknell and Nicky Smith, with Ashley Beck sealing the bonus-point score in the final minute.
Sam Davies kicked three conversions to take him past 500 points for the region but he was yellow-carded for a high tackle late in the second half.
Defending champions Connacht’s points came from a try from flanker Sean O’Brien, converted by John Cooney.
