Exciting outside back Gabriel Ibitoye is bringing his electric, try-scoring skills to the Tel Aviv Heat.
At only 23 years old, Ibitoye already has a rich rugby CV, having helped England reach the finals of the World Rugby U20 Championship in both 2017 and 2018 and leading them to a Grand Slam title in the U20 6 Nations in 2017. Earlier, Ibitoye captained England U18 aand played for England U16.
There is no doubt in Ibitoye’s world class quality, which he has shown in every team he has played for. In addition to his ability to run past and through defenders, his unique skill set of raw athletic pace, power, agility, and soft skills continually puts those around him into space. Before moving to French club Agen last season, Ibitoye was lethal as an outside back in Premiership Rugby with Harlequins, where he scored 14 tries in 42 matches over three seasons, including 10 in 21 matches in the COVID-shortened 2019-2020 season.
And now Ibitoye brings his star quality to The Tel Aviv Heat as they take on powerful Georgian and Russian clubs in the Eastern Conference of the Rugby Europe Super Cup.
Director of Rugby for The Tel Aviv, Kevin Musikanth on Gabriel Ibitoye:
“Gabs is an unbelievable rugby player. It is not just his physical abilities and work ethic that make him world-class, it is his ability to read the game and be in the perfect places to express his talents. He does this with great energy. He has the makings of a real global superstar and I look forward to the influence he will have on the growth of the game in our region and of course the excitement that he will provide for the inaugural Rugby Europe Super Cup competition and its fan base…”
Attack coach Demetri Catrakilis on the signing of Gabriel Ibitoye:
“I’m extremely excited to be working with a great talent like Gabs, he has proven himself at the highest level and we are fortunate he is part of our squad. Gabs will bring great excitement to our squad and the tournament as a whole, there is no doubt in my mind that has a great future ahead of him and we will do our best to give him the platform and environment to express himself to do what he does best I am very much looking forward to coaching him…”
Gabriel Ibitoye on signing for The Heat:
“ I’m excited to be joining up with the Tel Aviv Heat. It’s a great opportunity to play with new players in a different environment. Looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and hope to make some history in this new franchise…”
Want to see Gabriel in action? Follow the link bellow: