Wednesday, June 14 2006 15:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Wellington: New Zealand Maori rugby captain and former All Black Jono Gibbes has been signed by Welsh club Ospreys for three years.

Gibbes will join another former All Black Justin Marshall, who moved to Ospreys last month.

The 29-year-old Gibbes, a flanker and lock who played eight tests for the All Blacks, is contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of this year but has asked for an early release.

Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy said the club was delighted to sign Gibbes, who led the Maori All Blacks to victory over the touring British and Irish Lions last year.

"He is a top-quality international rugby player and his signing, along with that of Justin Marshall, signals our intent to be a far more competitive team in European rugby next season," Cuddy said in a statement on the club's website.

"Jono is a proven leader of men and will bring a wealth of experience to our squad for what is already an eagerly anticipated season," he said.

Gibbes plays for the Waikato Chiefs in the Super 14 competition and is currently in the US with the Maori side playing in the Churchill Cup.

The Ospreys won the Celtic League last year but struggled in the latest season, finishing seventh.