Gibson is regarded as one of the greatest rugby union players. On his induction into the IRB Hall of Fame in May 2011, former teammate and fellow Hall of Fame inductee Syd Millar said of him: "... [he] was one of the finest players of his generation, one of the finest players ever to represent Ireland and the British & Irish Lions and a man who epitomised the very ethos of the Game and its values".[1]
Gibson's distinguished career began with Ireland in 1964 and he earned his 69th and final cap in the second and final test win against Australia in Sydney in 1979 at age 36. A versatile player, he represented his country in four different positions. His all-round talent marked him out as a centre of distinction. Prior to moving to centre, Gibson played fly half to a high level. He was known for the perception and timing of his attacking play, the focus and anticipation of his defence and the dedication and commitment with which he applied himself across a 15-year international career in which he appeared in a then-world record 81 Tests, including five tours with the British & Irish Lions
Famed as much for good 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.
Gibson's record Ireland caps haul of 69 was overtaken by lock Malcolm O'Kelly against Scotland in February 2005. The mark had lasted for 26 years. His record of 56 appearances in the Five Nations (now Six Nations) was not equalled until countryman Ronan O'Gara reached the mark in Ireland's final match of the 2011 Six Nations.
British and Irish Lions
On the 1968 tour to South Africa, Gibson made history in the opening Test by becoming the first replacement in international rugby. He showed stamina by playing in 11 of the final 13 matches after Welsh fly-half Barry John had been invalided out of the tour.[2]
The 1971 tour remains to date the Lions' sole series victory over the All Blacks; it was on this tour that Gibson won the respect of the New Zealand rugby public with his attacking flair and timing.[2]
Gibson's work commitments saw him join the 1974 Lions in South Africa as a replacement during the second half of the tour. Gibson was known for his humility and demonstrated it here by willingly playing understudy to the new Test pairing of Ian McGeechan and Richard Milliken.[2]
Gibson was selected for his fifth Lions tour in 1977, equalling fellow Irishman Willie John McBride's record. However, back and hamstring problems meant that Gibson was unable to compete for a test place.[2]
Representative teams
Gibson played for a combined Scotland/Ireland XV in the 1970 Centenary of RFU celebration match against a combined England/Wales XV[3] and again in the 1972 Scottish Rugby Union Centenary match.[4]
Honours
He was awarded an MBE for services to the game.
When the International Rugby Hall of Fame was instituted in 1997, Gibson was one of the initial fifteen inductees. Upon his induction into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, Gibson was quick to pay tribute to his teammates, calling rugby the greatest team sport.[1]
In an interview in 2011, Irish rugby great Brian O'Driscoll praised Gibson's contribution to Irish rugby:
At times when Irish rugby wasn't successful Mike was always the shining light. He played international rugby for 15 years and that speaks volumes about him. He was a magnificent player and a true ambassador for the game.[5]
Professional career
After retirement, Gibson practised as a solicitor in Belfast and continued to play an active role in the rugby community.[1] Fellow Irish international David Humphreys trained as a solicitor in Gibson's firm.
