Gabriel Ibitoye: Bristol Bears winger on which iconic rugby trio inspire his game - ‘Those were the guys’

React to this story

Gabriel Ibitoye is one of the most exciting wingers in the Gallagher Premiership, and looking at his list of rugby heroes, that is no surprise. The Bristol Bears back has revealed that he was inspired by Southern Hemisphere trio Israel Dagg, Sonny Bill Williams and Willie le Roux, in an interview with TNT Sports pundit and fellow Harlequins alumni Ugo Monye.

‘Keep striving to be the best outside back in the league’ – When Monye met Ibitoye

Video credit: TNT Sports

Gabriel Ibitoye has revealed his playing style was partly inspired by New Zealand legend Sonny Bill Williams in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports pundit Ugo Monye.

The winger has made a sensational start to the Gallagher Premiership season with Bristol Bears, scoring four tries in five appearances.

He came through at Harlequins' academy, shining for England Under-20s before playing abroad.

PREM

Russell signs Bath Rugby contract extension

19/06/2025 at 10:46

He joked that he sometimes goes too far in his attempts to emulate his hero ahead of Bears' clash with defending champions Northampton Saints, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Friday evening.

"When I was younger, I watched a lot of The Tri Nations (now The Rugby Championship)," Ibitoye said.

"I would watch Israel Dagg, Sonny Bill Williams, even Willie le Roux. Those were the guys that I really loved watching.

"Maybe sometimes I try to be like Sonny Bill a bit too much."

Highlights: Saracens beat Bristol in dying moments

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ibitoye made his professional debut for Quins in November 2017, and reflected on the switch from schoolboy rugby with Trinity to competing alongside the stars he had been watching on television.

"It was pretty cool [entering a professional set-up]," he said.

"Seeing you guys play on television, all those years, you [Ugo Monye], Danny [Care], [Chris] Robshaw.

"I was straight out of school and training with people I had watched on TV, it was an awesome experience."

Ibitoye left Quins in 2020, signing with French side Agen before joining Montpellier Herault in 2021. The Bears back believes he struggled with his fitness while playing in France.

"For me, it was the first time I did something different," he said. "I was really looking forward to it.

"I had always wanted to play abroad, so that was my main motivation and my driving factor there.

Biggar, Austin debate how Slade and Spencer can be 'key' for England

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It was tough, I was trying to keep fit, every time I got back fit I got injured. I just did not know what was next, that was the big thing hanging over me."

Ibitoye followed that up with a move to Israeli side Tel Aviv Heat after a surprise phone call with former Quins team-mate Demetri Catrakilis.

"For me it was a fresh start," he continued. "I spoke with Demetri and he said 'look, we have got a list of players who are out of contract and your name came up'.

"I said I just need to play without pressure and without too many consequences."

Ibitoye returned to the Gallagher Premiership with Bears in 2022, where he is relishing the faith of head coach Pat Lam.

"Pat puts a lot of trust in me, he makes me work hard, he makes us all work hard," he added.

"My first year of being a winger was outside Semi Radradr and Charles Piutau, so it was pretty easy.

"That was a good transition back into the sport. For me, they can make a two-on-two look like a two-on-one."

'NO ONE LIKE HIM IN THE LEAGUE' - CARE, WARBURTON HAIL IBITOYE

TNT Sports rugby experts Danny Care and Sam Warburton were full of praise for the Bristol winger, the former saying there is "no one like him in the league".

Care spent time in the Harlequins ranks alongside Ibitoye, and praised the 26-year-old's desire to play a leading role on the pitch.

"He's so unique," Care said ahead of Bristol Bears' showdown against Northampton Saints - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"I've known Gabs since he was a kid, 16/17 in the Quins academy. There's nothing that Gabs enjoys more than when he's out on the rugby pitch and he's priobably got the best turf in the business to do his stuff on. He's just a young kid loving life.

"He unfortunately left Harlequins, went to France, went to Israel, now he's found his home in Bristol.

"He's a wonderfully gifted player, there's no one like him in the league. He does things that other people can only dream of. He's a special player."

Ibitoye has yet to represent England at a senior level, and TNT Sports expert Warburton feels the winger is on the right trajectory to receive his maiden call-up - though earmarked one quality that Steve Borthwick will be looking out for.

"Has he got the ability and the talent yes, of course he has," Warburton said. "Emotional composure is what coaches want to see.

"That's not why he didn't get in, but probably things like high ball is valued a little bit more in international rugby. But if he carries on the same trajectory for the next six to 12 months, he has to be in the conversation. He's had a great start, keep it going."

---

Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

PREM