By Duncan Wood
September 3 2002

The announcement was very low key - over the PA at the end of the Saracens game. I'm sure his actual arrival and unveiling to the media will be slightly more high profile!

It's been one of the most talked about subjects around Bristol rugby all summer.

Once Malcolm Pearce revealed that Bristol were talking to a 'phenomenal' new signing following the sudden retirement of Jason Little, the rumour mill has been working overtime.

Gibson's name was touted very early on in the summer although no-one from the Bristol Shoguns would confirm or deny that he was the man in question.

In fact Gibson himself almost seemed to pour cold water on the idea that he was coming to Bristol when he was quoted as saying:

"I am keeping my options open. I am pretty easy going about my future."

At that point Canterbury were insisting that he would be seeing out his contract and it appeared that he would play the whole NPC season and possibly try and clinch a place in the 2003 All Black World Cup squad.

Canterbury obviously think a lot of the guy. Their CEO, Hamish Riach, was quoted on www.crfu.co.nz as follows:

“It’s hard to find words to explain Gibbo’s contribution to Canterbury rugby over the years both on and off the paddock. He is an extremely talented player and has provided great leadership for Canterbury.”

He will arrive in the next week or so but it's too early to say when he will make his first competitive appearance for Bristol. However, it's widely acknowledged that the inside centre position was one that need filling and there are few better than Gibson.

The final word goes to the man himself:

“I’m going because I want to continue playing rugby at a competitive level. I also want to experience a different style of rugby. I’ve played all my rugby for Canterbury and while I’ve loved it, I’m keen to try something different. Bristol is a young team and I’m sure my experience will help out. I’m looking forward to working with coach Peter Thorburn.”