Gibson-Park makes the most of it

Handing over the jerseys: Gisborne-born and Ireland international Jamison Gibson-Park (left) gives a hongi to Fletcher Scammell. Gibson-Park presented the Poverty Bay jerseys to the team before the game against the Saracens on Saturday. Facebook picture

He is half a world away with a Rugby World Cup dream.

Irish international halfback Jamison Gibson-Park and family made the most of their return to Gisborne on July 18, the halfback having played superbly in a history-making tour that saw the Emerald Isle become the World's No.1-ranked team for the first time since 2019.

“We didn't do too much once we were back home to be honest — just chilled out with family and friends — but it was awesome to have everyone there for the games against the Māori All Blacks and the test series against the All Blacks,” Gibson-Park said.

“I've got a great support network here and in Dublin — the Irish people have been unbelievably accommodating — so Patti, the kids and I will be over there for a couple more years at least.

“I've gifted my first test jersey — 21, from my debut against Italy in Dublin in 2020 — to Gisborne Boys' High School, and while I'd have liked to be at an assembly to present it, I know my former coach (now principal) Tom Cairns will take care of that.”

Gibson-Park presented the Miah Nikora-coached Poverty Bay team with their jerseys on Saturday, when the Bay ran out 22-17 victors over the Hawke's Bay Saracens at the Gisborne Boys' High School Rectory ground.

“Cairnsy, Les Barbara and Mark Jefferson here, Michael Collins in Taranaki, Colin Cooper in Wellington — they were my biggest influences in New Zealand, and Coops gave me one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received: to improve my all-round kicking game.

“I've loved my career. I'd tell the young guys coming through that if they want to go further in rugby, they need to work hard and be persistent.”

At 5ft 9in (1.75m) and 80kg, Gibson-Park has long punched above his weight. He scored the match-winning try for GBHS against Napier BHS at the Rectory in the Centenary Game in 2009, and was named in the New Zealand Schools side later that year.

He and Patti relocated to Leinster in 2016. Gibson-Park qualified to play for Ireland after three years and he played his 100th game for Leinster last season off the bench in their 16-6 Pro14 Grand Final win against Munster at Dublin's RDS Arena.

“James Lowe's now with Leinster and Charlie Ngatai's just signed with us so the boys are happy with that,” Gibson-Park said.

“Patti keeps it real for me. She tells me if I play a bad game, hold it down at home; she's the cornerstone.

“We start back with pre-season training for Leinster on Monday the 22nd. I'm keen to get to the World Cup next year — that's a career goal.”