Callum Gibbins
Manawatu flanker Callum Gibbins is set to stay in the New Zealand capital for another year, having recently extended his contract with Hurricanes until the end of 2016.
The 26-year-old has been with the ‘Canes since he joined as a Wider Training Group member in 2013. After 2 years in the extended squad, Gibbins signed a full contract for 2015 and has gone on to feature in all but 1 of the Hurricanes’ matches this year.
Assistant coach Richard Watt has worked with Gibbins since his arrival, and said he epitomised everything team management looked for in a player.
“Having been in the environment for a couple of years now, he’s the kind of guy who has become a very, very good professional rugby player. This year he has stepped up and taken the opportunities he’s been given, and we saw that against the Bulls in Pretoria where he really proved he was ready.
“He’s a good bugger and a great team man – very selfless – and we’re pretty happy to have him with us for another year.”
Gibbins said he was enjoying the Hurricanes environment and was stoked to get the opportunity to extend his contract.
“I think having 2 years in the wider training group gave me a good base to work from, and it probably made me that much hungrier to try for that full contract as well. When I got that I was pretty happy, but to be getting a bit of game time and then being able to sign on for another year as well – it’s pretty exciting,” he said.
“It’s been an awesome year so far with both the Turbos and the way the boys are going here at the ‘Canes. It’s great to be a part of and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and helping us carry on the way we’ve been going.”