Richard Hibbard can’t help Wales to a maiden series win in South Africa this month but a move across the River Severn has given him plenty to look forward to.
Hibbard hit a career high last summer, featuring in all three Tests as the British & Irish Lions beat Australia to record a first series win in 16 years.
However, the hooker was ruled out of Wales’ summer tour – alongside fellow Lions Sam Warburton and Leigh Halfpenny – after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The break has allowed the 30-year-old to look forward to his imminent switch from Ospreys to Gloucester Rugby and the Kingsholm club’s signing of countryman James Hook has only served to ramp up the excitement.
“Gloucester is one of the great places to play rugby,” Hibbard told Wales Online. “They’re so passionate about it and the noise from the Shed is something else.
“It’s a new club, new fans, new coaches, new everything. It’s a chance I couldn’t turn down and I’ve got to give it a go.
“It will freshen me up mentally and James Hook signing for the Cherry & Whites is a huge boost, not just to me personally, but to Gloucester.
“Hooky is an amazing outside-half and a world-class recruit. I’m sure he will do a brilliant job for us and signings like him and John Afoa will get the city buzzing.
“Gloucester have got massive ambitions and I can’t wait to get started.”
