Richard Hibbard joins Gloucester
The Ospreys star follows in the footstep of All Black World Cup winning prop John Afoa who will arrive from Ulster at the end of the season.
The Cherry and Whites’ scrum has been under the pump so far this season but these two arrivals are a clear indication of their ambitions and chairman Ryan Walkinshaw hinted two weeks ago they could have the best front row in the Premiership next season.
Hibbard said: “I’m absolutely gutted to be leaving my home region, where I’ve been all my career. It’s unfortunate that circumstances mean there isn’t the funding in place to allow boys who want to play in Wales to stay in Wales.
“It was always going to be a tough decision to leave my home area, as I’m currently in my tenth successive season at the Ospreys, which is my local region and where I was born.
“That said, I’m absolutely delighted to be joining a rugby club such as Gloucester, based in the heart of the local community, with such a tradition and with amazing support.
“I’m a great believer in loyalty and community and I’d like to place on record formally, my great thanks to the Ospreys management, coaches, players and fans for supporting me so well throughout my career.
“I’m an Ospreys fan, and always will be. I’ll just be supporting them from a distance! I wish them well in the future.
“I now look forward to this next exciting chapter in my life, and indeed that of my young family, and hope to help Gloucester Rugby return to the top of the English and British game.”
Director of Rugby Nigel Davies: “As with the recent confirmation of John Afoa’s signing, Richard agreeing to join Gloucester Rugby next season is fantastic news. Balancing the squad, and adding depth in key areas has been a key objective for us, and this news is another part of that process.
“It shows where we’re heading as a club. We’re building a team armed not just with power up front, but also the ability behind the scrum to play a rounded and complete game.
“Richard is arguably one of the top hookers in world rugby. Clubs all around the world have been interested in signing him, so it’s significant that we’ve been able to convince him that Gloucester is the right place for him to play his rugby.
“And, once again, it’s a testimony to the hard work and commitment of everyone at the club. We’re able to invest significantly in our team thanks to the backing of our board, the continued financial success of Gloucester Rugby and the significant investment made by our partners, sponsors and supporters.”
Hibbard himself admitted that he’s excited by the challenge of testing himself in a new environment but that he remains totally committed to the Ospreys cause.
