Hibbard To Join Dragons Next Season

Gloucester Rugby have confirmed that former British & Irish Lion and Wales hooker Richard Hibbard will leave the club at the end of the season.

Hibbard will move back to Wales for the 2018-19 season after signing a three-year deal to join the Dragons, coached by Bernard Jackman.

The 34-year-old has won 38 caps for his country since his debut in 2006, played in all three of the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tests and was selected as Gloucester's Player of the Year following the 2016-17 season.

The Neath born forward has played for Taibach, Aberavon and Swansea, then spent ten seasons at the Ospreys before joining the Cherry and Whites.

“Richard is an outstanding hooker and is someone that will add to our squad on and off the field,” said Dragons Head Coach Bernard Jackman.  

“He has huge experience at the highest level and given that we have a very young squad at present that expertise will be invaluable.

On his move Hibbard revealed his excitement at joining the Dragons -

”I spoke to Bernard who shared his plans for the Dragons and the direction he wants to take the team and I really want to be part of that. 

“I’m excited by the move back and what Bernard is building at the Dragons. Contributing to that will be my focus to get the team into a good place. Success may not be overnight, but hopefully in any small way that I can help I can speed that process up.

“The Dragons have an extremely skillful squad and a few experienced players will add to that. Ross coming in is exciting addition. He’ll galvanize the back row and hopefully I can bring some experience in as well.

“I’ve experienced being against the Dragons fans in the past and now I’m looking forward to joining and having them support me."