A tough backrow, former All Black Gibbes made 68 appearances for the Chiefs in the Super 14 and captained them for six successive seasons before injury forced him to quit recently aged 31.

His two-year deal will see him link up the province at the end of the month and Cheika is excited.

He said: "I am delighted to welcome Jono to Leinster and I am sure that he will play a significant role in the coaching set-up that we have established.

“He is a hugely ambitious and knowledgeable student of the game with outstanding leadership skills and he will complement the existing coaching structure in the club very well.

"Having recently concluded an illustrious playing career, his experience of playing in, coupled with his knowledge of studying, the ELV rules will be of enormous benefit to the squad."