Gabriel Ibitoye's rugby journey has been anything but conventional, and now at 26, he seems to be fulfilling the promise that once saw him called into England’s senior squad as a teenage apprentice. His path has been winding, taking him from international recognition to a surprising stint with Tel Aviv Heat and now to Bristol Bears. But after his latest heroics, it’s clear that Ibitoye is finally delivering on his vast potential.
In an electrifying match against Exeter, Ibitoye was quiet for much of the game, outshone by Exeter’s young stars, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Paul Brown-Bampoe. The pair had crossed the line twice each, propelling the Chiefs to a 20-point lead as the hour mark approached. It seemed like the match was slipping away from Bristol.
But then, in a dizzying nine-minute display of raw speed and finishing prowess, Ibitoye turned the game on its head with a stunning hat-trick. Each of his three tries was the result of sheer acceleration and precision, with clever assists from AJ MacGinty, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, and Harry Randall. The comeback was extraordinary, and it was Ibitoye’s brilliance that spearheaded it.
Pat Lam, Bristol Bears’ head coach, couldn’t contain his admiration for his winger after the match. “I believe he's good enough to play at the next level,” Lam stated confidently. “His fundamentals as a winger are great, and then on top of that, we get the Gabriel Ibitoye who's brilliant. He's one of the fittest guys, he's electric, and he’s learning how to stay in the game.”
This wasn't just a flash of brilliance from Ibitoye either. Last season, he led the Premiership in several categories: most metres gained (1,432), most offloads (30), and most defenders beaten (75). He also tied for the most line breaks with Northampton's Tommy Freeman. Despite playing for a team that finished fifth in the Premiership, Ibitoye was consistently at the top of his game.
His performance against Exeter serves as a stark reminder of just how dangerous he can be. If he can maintain this form, calls for him to re-enter the England fold will only grow louder. With the autumn internationals fast approaching, and the England squad announcement imminent, Ibitoye’s timing could not be better.
Zach Mercer at the Heart of Gloucester’s "Glawsball" Revolution
Meanwhile, over at Gloucester, another Englishman is making headlines for different reasons. Zach Mercer has been a key figure in Gloucester’s new free-flowing, high-octane style of play under head coach George Skivington, which fans have affectionately dubbed “Glawsball.”
Mercer’s all-action style has epitomized this new approach. Often popping up at first receiver or dictating the play from midfield, he has been the focal point for Gloucester’s attack. His outside break and offload for Charlie Atkinson’s first-half try against Bath was a reminder of the form that saw him tear through the French Top 14 while at Montpellier.
However, like his team, Mercer has shown flashes of brilliance alongside moments of frustration. In Gloucester's recent loss to Bath, they were still within striking distance, trailing by 12 points with 16 minutes to go and deep inside Bath’s 22. But a forced, ill-advised basketball-style offload from Mercer ended up in the hands of Tom de Glanville, who went the length of the field to score. The contest was effectively over.
Mercer’s frustration was clear as he hurled his water bottle to the ground and was promptly substituted. While these moments of impetuosity have marred his game at times, they are also part of what makes Mercer so thrilling to watch.
Skivington remains confident in his number eight, despite three losses in four games. He insists that belief in their new game plan is unwavering, and the team is still learning to execute it under pressure. “The entertainment is undeniable,” Skivington said, after Gloucester's thrilling encounters with Bath and Saracens. Despite their inconsistent form, Kingsholm has been buzzing with excitement, from George Barton’s casual drop-goal conversion to prop Afolabi Fasogbon's exuberant celebrations at the scrum.
However, whispers of Mercer returning to France at the end of the season, with a move to Toulon reportedly already sealed, have raised concerns about his future in English rugby. Should this be Mercer’s final season with Gloucester, it will certainly be one that showcases his full array of talents — both brilliant and, at times, erratic.
For now, Mercer remains at the heart of the Gloucester revolution, embodying the highs and lows of their new era. But with the play-offs looking increasingly unlikely, Gloucester may find themselves bidding farewell to one of their star players before realizing their full potential.
What’s Next for Ibitoye and Mercer?
Both Gabriel Ibitoye and Zach Mercer are at critical junctures in their careers. Ibitoye’s scintillating form could soon see him donning the England jersey once more, while Mercer’s decision to return to France could spell the end of his time in the Premiership.
For Ibitoye, the next few weeks could be career-defining. His explosive hat-trick against Exeter has placed him firmly back in the spotlight, and with England’s autumn internationals looming, he has a real chance to make his mark on the international stage.
As for Mercer, his role in Gloucester’s transformation under Skivington is undeniable, but his potential departure leaves questions about the future of “Glawsball.” Will Gloucester be able to maintain their all-action, free-flowing style without one of its central figures?
Only time will tell, but both players remain at the heart of two of the most exciting storylines in English rugby right now. And as they continue to push boundaries, they are leaving fans eager to see what’s next.
