Controversial.

Jono Gibbes looks set to turn his back on Waikato and become La Rochelle’s new head coach according to reports in France this morning.

The outgoing Ulster coach announced his departure from the northern province earlier in the season after less than a year with the club, citing “family reasons” for his move.

Gibbes has been in Europe for the last ten years, holding coaching roles with Leinster and Clermont. When announcing his departure he said it was time he went home, and accepted a role with former club Waikato who play in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup.

But now Midi Olympique have said that they are ’95 per cent certain’ he will take over at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre, replacing Patrice Collazo who exited earlier this month.

Gibbes controversially met with La Rochelle last week ahead of Ulster’s Champions Cup play-0ff, and was coy when asked about his future following the game.