Experienced flanker Gibson to leave Cornish Pirates

Will Gibson has been a key part of Pirates' pack after injuries to John Stevens and Alex Everett

Cornish Pirates flanker Will Gibson is to leave the club at the end of December.

The 25-year-old, who has played 78 times for the Championship side since joining in 2021, is moving to Australia.

The former Exeter Chiefs academy player is set to play for Sydney University in Australia's Shute Shield.

"Will now considers it the right time to enjoy a life experience alongside his partner Tara, and it is something he has planned," joint-head coach Alan Paver told the club website.

"For Will it's a great opportunity for someone who was very talented and possessed incredible energy when he arrived at the club.

"He's been a good jackaler, with a bit of a Dave Ward about him, and he is someone who possesses a real sense of the game and how to win ball back.

"Losing John (Stevens) and Al (Alex Everett) to injury early in the season were blows, but Will has certainly stepped up, as he always does, both on and off the field.

"He has been outstanding and will be missed, but we'll be watching him and, if he does return, we'll pull him back in quickly."