The Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels are thrilled to announce Matt Gibbon has put pen to paper, re-signing through until the end of 2025.
Having made his Test debut in the Wallabies' gutsy win over Argentina in Mendoza last year, the loosehead prop became the first Wallaby to hail from the Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneers on the NSW North Coast.
Wallaby number 956, the 27-year-old went on to pull on the gold jersey five times in 2022, earning one start in his debut international season.
In a testament to his hard work and dedication, the new two-year deal, is Gibbon’s first dual contract with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels, having earned his first Super Rugby cap in 2019 after being brought to the club on a train and trial basis during the pre-season.
Born in Lismore, Gibbon honed his craft playing for Southern Districts in the Shute Shield before continuing his development in the National Rugby Championship with the NSW Country Eagles and Melbourne Rising.
In a sign of his consistency since making his Super Rugby debut, Gibbon is in line to bring up his 50th Super Rugby cap against the Hurricanes on Friday night in front of home supporters as part of this weekend's Super Round presented by Fiji Airways at AAMI Park.
Gibbon’s re-signing will keep in Australia until at least the 2025 British and Irish Lions Series.
Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels prop Matt Gibbon said: “I'm stoked to re-sign with Australian Rugby for another couple of years and to repay the Rebels who gave me my first professional opportunity."
"I know I've got a lot of improvement left in my game and am looking forward to continuing to work with the Melbourne coaches to get the most out of my potential.
"Playing for the Wallabies last year was a dream come true and getting that taste of Test Rugby has certainly lit a fire inside me to work harder and earn more of those opportunities."
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: “Matt's a good hard-working player who will continue to develop under the coaching of Kevin Foote at the Rebels."
"We will be watching his development during the Super Rugby Pacific season closely."
Melbourne Rebels General Manager of Rugby Nick Stiles said: “ “We’re thrilled to have Matt re-commit to our Club and Rugby Australia."
“Matt brings great experience to our front row stocks, and is someone that’s highly regarded by our players, staff and fans, and someone who is important to the culture we’re creating at the Rebels.
“His rise through the ranks is a great story, and the whole Club was so proud of him when he made his Wallabies debut last year.
“Retaining players that are driven, selfless, with high character and strong leadership qualities, is an important part of our squad development strategy, so it’s great to have Matt remain at the Rebels for what will be a really exciting period.”
Position: Prop
Height: 184cm
Weight: 119kg
Date of birth: 3 July 1995 (age: 27)
Place of birth: Lismore, NSW
Test debut: 2022 v Argentina, Mendoza
Test caps: 5
Super Rugby debut: 2019 v Brumbies, Canberra
Super Rugby caps: 49
Wallabies v South Africa, 5:05pm SAST/1:05am AEST, Saturday 8 July at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Wallabies v Argentina, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 15 July at CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 29 July at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v New Zealand, 2:35pm NZST/12:35pm AEST Saturday 5 August at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
