On his induction into the IRB Hall of Fame in May 2011, former teammate and fellow Hall of Fame inductee Syd Millar said of him: "... [he] was one of the finest players of his generation, one of the finest players ever to represent Ireland and the British & Irish Lions and a man who epitomised the very ethos of the Game and its values".
[1] Fellow IRA inductee Willie John McBride considers Gibson the greatest Irish player he ever watched.
He was known for the perception and timing of his attacking play, the focus and anticipation of his defence and the dedication and commitment with which he applied himself across a 15-year international career in which he appeared in a then-world record 81 Tests, including five tours with the British & Irish Lions Famed as much for good hands and line-breaking ability as his tactical skills and rapier boot, Gibson scored 112 Test points (9 tries, 16 penalties, 7 conversions and 6 drop goals) for Ireland.
Gibson's record Ireland caps haul of 69 was overtaken by lock Malcolm O'Kelly against Scotland in February 2005.
Gibson was known for his humility and demonstrated it here by willingly playing understudy to the new Test pairing of Ian McGeechan and Richard Milliken.
[3] Gibson was selected for his fifth Lions tour in 1977, equalling fellow Irishman Willie John McBride's record.
Upon his induction into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, Gibson was quick to pay tribute to his teammates, calling rugby the greatest team sport.