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'It wasn't a tough decision' - Gabriel Ibitoye explains why he really left English rugby
Despite eyebrows being raised when he decided to leave Harlequins, the reason behind highly-rated England prospect Gabriel Ibitoye choosing France is less about off-field drama and more about simple logic.
The 22-year-old winger surprised many when he signed a two-year deal with Agen this summer, despite a broad consensus that a future with Eddie Jones’ England team was beckoning.
In an in-depth interview with Gavin Mortimer in TheXV, Ibitoye has explained that came down to fact that those currently involved in England’s back three – for now at least – at better than him.
“It wasn’t a tough decision to make, to be honest,” he explains. “This current England team have a fantastic back three and I’d be lying to myself if I said I was as good as them. I think this move will accelerate my development and then hopefully in a few years’ time I’ll be at that level.
“I made the decision myself. If I’d been in contention many conversations [with Eddie Jones] would have been had but I knew I didn’t have to have those conversations because I’m not there.”
Londoner Ibitoye had demonstrated his pedigree at England U20s level and was impressing as part of the set-up at Harlequins, scoring 14 tries in 40 appearances for the club. It was his performance versus Clermont last November in the Champions Cup in France that apparently brought him to the attention of Agen.
French media have been impressed with the compact, powerful performances of former age-grade arch-finisher and have even likened him to Rupeni Caucaunibuca and even the late Jonah Lomu.
“English rugby, in my opinion, is more structured. Here, when I get the ball, I look up and think ‘okay, what are these defenders doing and how do I beat them?’ The primary job of outside backs is to beat defenders and get the team going forward…because it’s a lot less structured [in France] players can create something out of nothing and it highlights individual brilliance. That’s what I need to try and improve in my game.
“So I think French rugby is more suited to me.”
You can read the full article and much more great content besides, at TheXV.rugby
