Turbos’ Gibbins target of Glasgow Warriors

Hurricanes flanker Callum Gibbins could be the next player to leave New Zealand Rugby with reports he is being targeted by Scottish club Glasgow.

The BBC reported the Manawatu captain is in line to replace Simone Favaro at the club for the 2017/18 season, with the Italian flanker not expected to be offered a new deal.

It reported he would join the club after the Super Rugby season.

The openside flanker, has played 25 games for the Hurricanes since his debut against the Lions in 2015.

Gibbins, 28, has been a standout at provincial level for Manawatu, but has been largely reduced to a bench role at the Hurricanes behind Ardie Savea.

The Glasgow Warriors will be coached by Chiefs coach Dave Rennie next season.

That would provide familiar surroundings for Gibbins who made his Manawatu Turbos debut under Rennie in 2009.

Scotland assistant coach Jason O’halloran will serve as one of Rennie’s assistants. O’halloran also coached the Turbos and was in charge when Gibbins was promoted to captain in 2013.

A deal with Glasgow would likely rule him out of a chance to add to his 66 provincial caps for Manawatu.

He was offered a contract from the Manawatu Rugby Union, but has yet to signed it.

Glasgow’s squad includes former All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn.