Ireland rugby great Mike Gibson was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Belfast last night.
Gibson was presented with a commemorative cap and gold pin by Dr Syd Millar, the former International Rugby Board (IRB) Chairman, current Rugby World Cup Ltd Director. The ceremony took place at the at the Ulster Rugby awards in Belfast.
Millar, who was himself inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, said: 'It is an honour to be inducting a man who I had the great pleasure of playing alongside for Ulster and Ireland.
'Mike Gibson 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.'
Born in 1942, Gibson is considered one of the finest outside-backs ever to play the game. He had a glittering career that included 69 Tests for Ireland and five British and Irish Lions tours.
He began his career at North of Ireland FC and Ulster, playing at out-half, centre and on the wing. He then studied law at Cambridge, where he won three Blues.
His international debut followed soon after in 1964, when Gibson lined out in the 10 jersey against England. That was the beginning of a remarkable 15 year career in the green jersey.
He eventually played 25 times at out-half, 40 times at centre and four times on the wing for Ireland. His caps record of 69 stood until 2006, when it was surpassed by Malcolm O'Kelly.
His record of appearing in 56 Five Nations matches from 1964 and 1979 stands. It was equalled by Ronan O’Gara in the Six Nations at the end of the 2011 Championship.
The Lions tours were central to establishing Gibson's worldwide reputation. He played 68 matches for the Lions, winning 12 Test caps. His contributions to the winning tours of New Zealand tour in 1971 and the South Africa in 1974 were particularly important.
Gibson said: 'It is an honour to be inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame and to be recognised amongst an illustrious list of greats. I consider rugby to be the greatest team sport and I must give thanks to all my team mates with whom I trained and played. Without them this would not have been possible.'
Awarded an MBE for services to Rugby, Gibson continues to practice Law in Belfast where he plays an active role in the rugby community.
Further IRB Hall of Fame inductions will be made throughout 2011 in both hemispheres, including during Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
