“I owe it to the Hurricanes to give them 100 percent from now until the end of the season. But I’m excited about the prospect of playing against some of the best players in the world and in some huge stadiums around Europe.”
One of four Irish pro teamsLeinster, the most successful Irish team domestically and in European competition, are one of four professional rugby teams in Ireland.
They play at the RDS Arena in Dublin which has a capacity of 18,500.
When the capacity at RDS Arena is insufficient Leinster play home games at the national venue the Aviva Stadium, on the site of the former Lansdowne Road stadium, which has a capacity of 51,700.
Leinster finished top of this season’s Pro 12 table, involving teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, but lost the top-four playoff final 20-10 to Connacht.
The club was, however, rewarded for an outstanding season with 14 players named in the Irish squad to tour South Africa this month.
“It’s going to be an awesome experience playing alongside these guys as well playing on both these grounds,” said Gibson-Park, who made his Taranaki debut in 2012 and was named by Rugby Almanack as one of the five most promising players at the end of that season.
“I’ll never forget my time at the ’Naki,” said Gibson-Park.
Boys' High leads way for Gisborne playersPomare Samupo was the first to join them from Boys’ High and he led the way for a lot of other Gizzy players (11 at one stage) to join them.
“Colin Cooper (Taranaki coach) was probably the biggest influence on my career after leaving school. He’s not only a great coach, he’s an awesome guy — a real family man with good values — and the people of Taranaki made all the Gisborne boys feel welcome.”
Gibson-Park and fellow Gisborne players Charlie Ngatai, James Broadhurst and Blade Thomson helped Taranaki win their first national title in 2012, beating Tasman 36-32 in a thriller at Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth. His performances gained him a Super Rugby contract with the Blues and he made his Super debut against the Bulls in 2013.
He also played for the Blues against France but a stress fracture in his ankle meant he played only two games in 2014.
The New Zealand Maori All Black bounced back last year and, along with fellow Gisborne player Brendon O’Connor, was the only player who played every game for the franchise that year.
When Tana Umaga replaced Sir John Kirwan, it signalled the end of Gibson-Park’s time with the Blues.
“It was disappointing that things didn’t work out with the Blues. I felt I deserved to be the No.1 halfback, but that’s professional rugby.”
A lifelineHurricanes coach Chris Boyd threw Gibson-Park a lifeline.
“Problem was all the franchises already had their first-choice halfbacks so I was always going to be second-choice, and I felt that was a backward step.
“When Leinster approached my agent I jumped at the chance. We (Patti and family) talked it over and everyone agreed it was a great move.”
Grogan, a former New Zealand judoka champion who was picked for the 2014 Commonwealth Games but was unable to go because of ill health, said she was “really excited for Jem”.
“He deserves to be number one. I’m also looking forward to the move. We’ll all miss our families but they can come over to visit and we’ll try to get home at least once every year.
“Initially I was a bit worried about Isabella but she’s young and after speaking to Hayden Triggs’ wife, Mikkala, I’m sure we’ll settle in.
“Hayden (former Blues teammate of Gibson-Park) has just signed on for another season with Leinster (whose colours are also blue and white) and they said the people were very friendly.”
Grogan, the sister of Poverty Bay rugby players Willy and James Grogan, has retired from judo but is keen to get a job while overseas.
“It won’t be right away. I want to take plenty of time to get Isabella settled in but at some stage during the three years I’d like to get back into sports events marketing.”
