Gibbins’ last big push with Canes
‘‘There is a chance I will come back. I have signed for three years so I will be 31 by the time my contract is done there. I have not said ‘no’ in my head to coming back, but it is pretty hard to tell what I will do.’’ Callum Gibbins
Callum Gibbins hopes there are a few weeks left in his New Zealand Rugby career yet. The Hurricanes loose forward will pack his bags for Glasgow, Scotland when their Super Rugby campaign wraps up.
That means there is a chance for tonight’s clash against the Crusaders could be his last in the country with his side likely to be heading to Canberra or Cape Town for their quarterfinal.
The 28-year-old said he made his travel plans with the chance to play in his third Super Rugby final in mind, but knows the side will have to be at their best over the next couple of weeks for them to pull it off.
‘‘I did all of my planning around the end of the finals week, but if we don’t deliver the goods I could be leaving a bit earlier than I want to.’’
Gibbins has been named on the bench this weekend, but has seen increased game time this year, especially when they were packing Ardie Savea down at No 8.
He has been involved with the Hurricanes since 2013, but had to wait until 2015 for his debut.
Since then he has racked up 38 Super Rugby matches.
Last month he started at openside flanker in the side’s draw with the British and Irish Lions.
‘‘It was a really enjoyable match. It was a bit of a shame that we did not quite pull it off. I think we let them get away too early. But it was an awesome experience. The crowd was unreal and the the whole build up was something I have not experienced before.’’
His imminent departure means he won’t be available for a ninth campaign with the Manawatu Turbos.
Looking back over his provincial career, he said leading the team to the 2014 NPC championship division title was just one of the highlights.
‘‘My first game in 2009 was against the Wellington Lions down [in Wellington]. That was a huge moment in my career. I still remember it, I got a few minutes off the bench.’’
Being involved in two winning Hankins Shield runs with Varsity was also a highlight.
‘‘I don’t think I am going to miss the rugby as much as I am going to miss the guys involved around the teams,’’ he said.
Gibbins played 66 games for Manawatu. At Glasgow he will be coached by Chiefs mentor Dave Rennie.
Gibbins made his Turbos debut under Rennie in 2009.
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.
Gibbins said having coaches he was familiar with was a bonus, but said he was looking forward to the new challenges of Northern Hemisphere rugby.
Gibbins’ strong work at the breakdown, low error-rate and ability to get over the advantage line should see him fit into Glasgow well.
He said his move to Scotland was not motivated by any thoughts of chasing international honours, but admitted if Scotland were interested in him once he satisfied the residency requirements, it was something he would consider.
‘‘If I am playing well and the opportunity comes, you have to think about it.’’
He would also not rule out a return to New Zealand once his contract ends.
‘‘There is a chance I will come back. I have signed for three years so I will be 31 by the time my contract is done there. I have not said ‘no’ in my head to coming back, but it is pretty hard to tell what I will do.’’
With his contribution to Manawatu rugby, there is little doubt the union would be waiting with open arms should he ever be interested in donning the green and white jersey again.