Mike Gibson (rugby union)

Cameron Michael Henderson ("Mike") Gibson MBE (born 3 December 1942 in Belfast, Northern Ireland) is an Irish former rugby union footballer.

Early life

After attending Cabin Hill and Campbell College in Belfast, he went on to study law at the University of Cambridge.

Club career

While studying, Gibson played for Cambridge University.

In February 1966 he played for London Irish against St Mary's Hospital.

He continued playing club rugby until 42.

International career

Ireland

Gibson's distinguished career began Ireland in 1964, and earned his 69th and final cap in the second and final test win against Australia in Sydney in 1979 at age 36. A versatile player, he represented his country in four different positions. Gibson had a distinguished international career; The Irish Solicitor's all-round talent marked him out as arguably the greatest centre of any era. Gibson's brilliance lay in the perception and timing of his attacking play, the focus and anticipation of his defence, and the rare dedication and commitment with which he applied himself across a 15-year international career in which he appeared in a then-world record 81 Tests.

Famed as much for his great hands and line-breaking ability as his tactical skills and rapier boot, Gibson scored 112 Test points (9 tries, 16 penalties, 7 conversions and 6 drop goals) for Ireland in a career that also saw him tour five times with the British Lions.

Gibson's record Ireland caps haul of 69 was overtaken by lock Malcolm O'Kelly against Scotland in February 2005. The mark had lasted for 26 years. His record of 56 appearances in the Five Nations (now Six Nations) was not equalled until countryman Ronan O'Gara reached the mark in Ireland's final match of the 2011 Six Nations.

British and Irish Lions

Gibson toured with the British and Irish Lions five times, his best performances probably being on the 1971 tour to New Zealand where he played a key role in the Lions' only series win in that country. Gibson also became the first ever replacement in international rugby, coming on for the injured Barry John during the Lions v South Africa Test in 1968 in Pretoria.

Representative teams

Gibson played in the 1973 Scottish Rugby Union Centenary for a combined England/Ireland team against a combined Scotland/Wales XV.

Honours

He was awarded an MBE for services to the game.

When the International Rugby Hall of Fame was instituted in 1997 Gibson was one of the initial fifteen inductees. Gibson was also inducted to the IRB Hall of Fame on 10 May 2011.^[1]

Professional career

Gibson continues to practise as a solicitor in Belfast. Fellow Irish international David Humphreys trained as a solicitor in Gibson's firm.

References

1. ^ "Mike Gibson inducted into IRB Hall of Fame" (Press release). International Rugby Board. 11 May 2011. http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2042526.html#mike+gibson+inducted+into+irb+hall+fame. Retrieved 11 May 2011. 

External links

• Mike Gibson at sporting-heroes.net
• ESPN Profile

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Name	Gibson, Mike
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Date of birth	3 December 1942
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