WASHINGTON, DC – Old Glory DC has signed Glasgow Warriors Co-Captain Callum Gibbins to a player-coaching contract. Gibbins will join Old Glory DC’s forward pack and coaching staff as an assistant coach focused on forwards and defense.
“Having Callum join us is a major step for Old Glory,” said [Head Coach] Andrew Douglas. “He has been a premier player in the Pro 14 for a few years now and has captained Glasgow Warriors through a successful period in their history. His experience with Super Rugby, Mitre 10, and Pro 14 will be valuable to the squad in 2021.”
The flanker joined Glasgow Warriors in 2017, having played for Super Rugby side Wellington Hurricanes in New Zealand for five years previously. Gibbins made a significant impact on the Warriors, having been named club co-captain for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons. His performance on the pitch was recognized across the entire competition, leading him to be named the Pro 14 Dream Team Captain during the 2017/18 season.
“I’m excited to join Old Glory and help the club establish itself as a top club within the MLR as well as more globally,” said Gibbins. “I’m looking forward to being involved in rugby again and being part of a club that has so much potential with a genuine opportunity to create some history and win a championship. It’s a great opportunity to share the things I have learned throughout my career and, hopefully, I can help grow the players and the club. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get over there and meet everyone. I feel I still have a lot of rugby left in me and am looking forward to it being a regular part of my everyday life again.”
Next year, Gibbins will also have the opportunity to boot up regularly in a different way – as an assistant coach.
“This will be his first coaching gig, but he has worked with some of the best coaches in the world such as Dave Rennie, who speaks very highly of Callum and his potential as a coach,” said Coach Douglas. “From a personal point of view, it will be great having a fellow Kiwi alongside to bounce ideas off.”
“It’s been a strange time the last few months with COVID, so I have a real appreciation for how lucky I am to be able to go back into a professional environment, and I want to make the most of it. Additionally, I have always had a desire to experience living in the USA. It is quite amazing to get the chance to further my career with Old Glory in Washington, DC.”
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