Gibson
Mike Gibson is a hall of fame centre who is arguably the greatest player to ever represent Ireland.
Mike Gibson Bio
Mike Gibson is arguably the greatest Irish player of all time. A highly versatile player, his greatest performances came at centre, where he had a phenomenal ability to mesh a backline together. Mike Gibson was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021.
Operating in rugby’s amateur era in the 1960s and 70s, Mike Gibson played most of his domestic rugby for North of Ireland F.C. However, he also played for Cambridge University and London Irish. Due to his love for the game, he continued to play rugby until the age of 42.
Although he enjoyed an incredibly successful domestic career at all levels, Mike Gibson is undoubtedly best known for his international career, where he represented both the British and Irish Lions and Ireland.
Between 1964 and 1979, Mike Gibson played in 69 tests for Ireland. During these appearances, his timing, great hands and line-breaking ability saw him become the backbone of an excellent Ireland side. In addition, his excellence on the international stage also saw him selected for a record-breaking 5 British and Irish Lions tours. On the 1971 tour of New Zealand, he was a key member of the side that recorded a series victory against the All Blacks. At the time of his retirement, he’d played in a then-record 81 tests.
Unsurprisingly, Mike Gibson was inducted into both the International Rugby Hall of Fame and the IRB Hall of Fame. He was also awarded an MBE for services to the game.
Since retiring from rugby, Mike Gibson has practiced law in Belfast. He also continues to play an active role in Ireland’s rugby community.
