Mike Gibson
Cameron Michael Henderson ("Mike") Gibson
He first played for Ireland in 1964, and earned his 69th and final cap against Australia in 1979 at age 36. A versatile player, he represented his country at four different positions. Gibson had a distinguished international career, which ran for fifteen years and saw him line out a record 69 times for Ireland. He continued playing club rugby until 42.
After attending Cabin Hill and Campbell College in Belfast, he went on to study law at the University of Cambridge where he played for Cambridge University R.U.F.C.. Famed as much for his great hands and line-breaking ability as his tactical skills and rapier boot, Gibson scored 112 Test points (9 tries, 16 penalties, 7 conversions and 6 drop goals) for Ireland in a career that also saw him tour five times with the Lions.
Gibson's record Ireland caps haul of 69 was finally overtaken by lock Malcolm O'Kelly against Scotland in February of 2005. The mark had lasted for 26 years.
Gibson toured with the British and Irish Lions (then known simply as the British Lions) several times, his best performances probably being on the 1971 tour to New Zealand where he played a key role in the Lions' only series win in that country. Gibson also became the first ever replacement in international rugby, coming on for the injured Barry John during the Lions v South Africa Test in 1968 in Pretoria.
He once played for London Irish in February 1966 against St Mary's Hospital. He was awarded an MBE for services to the game. Gibson continues to practise as a solicitor in Belfast. Fellow Irish international David Humphreys trained as a solicitor in Gibson's firm.
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