Three-year Glasgow deal for Kiwi flanker Gibbins

Glasgow have confirmed the signing of tough-tackling New Zealand-born flanker Callum Gibbins as preparations for Dave Rennie’s summer arrival continue.

The Hurricanes’ Super Rugby winner will join up with the Warriors ahead of the 2017/18 season, subject to visa and a medical.

The 28-year-old has signed a three-year contract that ties him to Scotstoun until at least May 2020.

He becomes the third new player to join the Scotstoun outfit ahead of next season, with Stormers duo Huw Jones and Oli Kebble already signed up. Gibbins has played 26 times in Super Rugby and has scored three tries.

The forward played under Rennie and his new assistant Jason O’halloran, the Scotland backs coach who will be moving to Scotstoun at the end of the season, at Manawatu Turbos. Gibbins captained the side, scoring 19 tries in 60 appearances for the provincial Mitre 10 Cup side.

He said: “I’m excited about the opportunity to start a new journey with Glasgow Warriors in Scotland. I feel privileged

0 Callum Gibbins: ‘Excited’. to be in a situation where I can make a decision like this and I’m looking forward to the new experiences that lie ahead.

“Each of the teams I’ve represented, and all the fans who have supported those teams, hold a special place in my heart, and there is no doubt I’ll miss the people I’ve been involved in during my rugby career to date.”

Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend – who will replace Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach in June – said: “Callum is a hard-working player with real leadership attributes and he’s another exciting addition to the squad for next season.

“He is part of a winning environment right now at the Hurricanes and is a player Dave and Jason know well from their time coaching him at Manawatu.”