Jamison Gibson-Park starred as Ireland maintained their Six Nations challenge with a record 42-21 win over England at Twickenham, effectively ending the hosts’ title hopes.
The scrum-half, who spent his formative years on Great Barrier Island, was named Player of the Match after a dominant performance that saw England blown apart on their home turf.
Born on The Barrier in 1992, Gibson-Park was one of roughly 35 kids attending Mulberry Grove School back in the nineties. His family was well-known in the community, with his father Billy working on the island’s roads, before they relocated to Gisborne when Jamison was ten.
That move paved the way for a professional career taking him from the Taranaki academy to the Blues and Hurricanes, before a massive decision in 2016 to join Leinster. Qualifying on residency grounds, he now proudly wears the green of Ireland.
Thatjourney to the international stage was on full display this weekend. Restored to Ireland’s starting side, Gibson-Park was exceptional.
Steve Borthwick’s England leaked 22 unanswered points in a dramatic opening half hour. Gibson-Park scored in the 19th minute from a quick tap penalty and later provided a brilliant cut-out pass to set up winger Robert Baloucoune. The onslaught saw England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie and Freddie Steward hooked before the interval as Ireland took a commanding 22-7 halftime lead.
The misery continued for the hosts into the second half as a broken England hardly fired a shot, slumping to their first defeat at Twickenham since November 2024.
But the Barrier boy showed his class off the field as well as on it. England captain Maro Itoje had led his players out to huge roars to mark his 100th cap, an occasion ultimately ruined by the record defeat. However, when Gibson-Park stepped up for his post-match interview, he made sure the English skipper got the plaudits he deserved.
Asked about Ireland’s performance, Gibson-Park immediately deflected in his unmistakably kiwi accent saying, “Sorry, can I just start off by saying I want to congratulate Maro on his 100 Tests. It’s a pretty phenomenal feat. He’s a great bloke and a great player. I had the privilege of sharing the summer with him. He’s an unbelievable player, leader and person and I just want to congratulate him.”
Ireland’s dominant five-try performance means they head into the Championship’s fallow week in a strong position, while handing England their first home defeat since late 2024.
