Gibbins cut his rugby teeth on the fields of Taranaki, before making an immediate impact for the Varsity Senior A side when he moved to Palmerston North in 2007 to study for a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise at Massey University.

After climbing the ranks and playing for Manawatu A, he made his debut for Manawatu Turbos against Wellington at the Westpac Stadium back in 2009 - a milestone he still remembers fondly.

With the wider training group now available for selection every week based on merit rather than having to wait for injuries, Gibbins will be hoping to make an impact this season to receive his first call up to the Canes.

CAPTION: Callum Gibbins dives over the line after a charge down to score the Hurricanes fifth try of the night against the Brumbies in round 9 of the 2017 Investec Super Rugby season. PHOTO: Getty Sport