The former All Black Jono Gibbes is to become director of rugby at French Top 14 club La Rochelle in November on a four year deal.
Gibbes, the former head coach at Ulster is back in New Zealand for personal reasons and will honour a commitment to take charge of Waikato for a couple of months.
He spent just one season at Ulster before being granted an early release from his contract for "family reasons".
Jono Gibbes. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 41-year-old was promoted to the role of head coach at Kingspan Stadium in January following the departure of director of rugby Les Kiss.
Gibbes flew to the west of France to hold talks with La Rochelle during a rest day for the Ulster squad ahead of their Champions Cup play-off win over the Ospreys on 20 May.
The former Leinster and Clermont Auvergne forwards coach had agreed to become head coach of Waikato in the Mitre Cup and will occupy that role before returning to Europe in the autumn.
La Rochelle finished outside the play-off places in the Top14 table this season and were seeking a successor to Patrice Collazo, who stepped down after seven years in charge.
Waikato Rugby says negotiations over the terms of the release, including compensation for Waikato, are ongoing. However, emerging out of the talks is an agreement for Waikato and Stade Rochelais to enter a partnership to enhance player and coach training and development. Waikato and Stade Rochelais expect Jono to lead the development of the partnership.
Waikato CEO Blair Foote said: "Naturally we regret the loss of Jono to Stade Rochelais. Both organisations recognise the calibre of his coaching skills and his unique ability to inspire players. Still, we are grateful Jono - who calls the Waikato home - has committed to seeing the union through the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup and to helping us build towards regaining our rightful position in the Premiership.
"We are also excited about the opportunities created by Jono's move to La Rochelle. Waikato has already established a unique and ground-breaking partnership with the Cornish Pirates that we expect to attract and foster the development of rugby talent in the province.
"We are confident the link Jono cements with La Rochelle will build on these efforts and, through rugby, continue to make Waikato stronger."
-RNZ
