Gibbins to leave Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors back-rower Callum Gibbins will be leaving the club at the end of the 2019/20 season, following three successful seasons at Scotstoun.

The man from
New Plymouth has become a firm favourite with the Warrior Nation since arriving
from Super Rugby side the Hurricanes in the summer of 2017, having delivered an
eye-catching display against the British and Irish Lions just a few weeks
before.

The flanker
made his Glasgow debut in a 31-10 home win over the Ospreys in September 2017,
scoring his first two tries for the club against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein
three weeks later.

Gibbins made
an immediate impact upon his new squad, with his performances and leadership
ability leading to him sharing the Al Kellock Leadership Award with Pete Horne
at the end of his inaugural season at Scotstoun.

His
performances were recognised across domestic competition, with the flanker
named as captain as the 2017/18 Guinness PRO14 Dream Team.

He was then
named as one of the club’s co-captains for the 2018/19 season by Dave Rennie,
sharing the role with fellow back-rower Ryan Wilson.

The flanker
was a prominent figure in the squad’s march to the 2019 Guinness PRO14 Final,
before leading out the Warriors in the competition’s showpiece event at Celtic
Park.

His total of
46 appearances to date in a Glasgow shirt includes 44 starts, crossing the
whitewash on 13 occasions.

Speaking to
glasgowwarriors.org, Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “Callum has had a massive impact
since his arrival and leaves a lasting impression.

“A high-quality
man, he is hugely respected by peers and staff alike. Cully would hate me
saying this but he has been the perfect Warrior.”

“His work
ethic and attention to detail on and off the pitch makes him an outstanding
role model. Superbly conditioned, competitive and intelligent, his point of
difference is his ability to become a different creature and bring a brutal
edge every time he crosses the paint.

“He
genuinely cares about his team mates, is very generous with his time for fans
and prominent in a variety of community projects. Having a lead role in the
Scrumbags, the team band that raised over £10,000 for the Glasgow Children’s
Hospital Charity is one such example of this.

“Thanks for
your contribution over the past three seasons Cully, and we wish you and Meg
all the best as you head into the next stage of life.”