In one of the most exhilarating moments of this young Premiership season, Bristol Bears winger Gabriel Ibitoye set the rugby world alight with a stunning nine-minute hat-trick in Saturday’s thrilling comeback victory against Exeter at Sandy Park. His dazzling performance left spectators in awe, and yet, despite his standout contributions, Ibitoye has yet to hear from England head coach Steve Borthwick ahead of the looming autumn internationals.
For a player who continues to dominate the stats board, the silence from Borthwick is conspicuous. Ibitoye, who topped multiple individual statistics last season — including most metres made, offloads, and defenders beaten — has proven that he is not just a one-season wonder. His explosive play continues to shine this campaign, with four tries already to his name, placing him joint-second in the league’s try-scoring tally. Despite these achievements, the 26-year-old winger remains outside the England fold, a reality he admits is both perplexing and motivating.
The Hat-Trick That Stunned Exeter
It was a moment of magic at Sandy Park. With Bristol Bears trailing Exeter and momentum seeming firmly in the Chiefs' favor, Ibitoye flipped the script in a span of just nine minutes. His three tries not only shifted the game’s dynamic but also showcased the diverse skill set he brings to the field — pace, power, and an almost instinctive rugby IQ that had the opposition scrambling. From slicing through defenders to latching onto perfectly timed offloads, Ibitoye’s performance was the spark that propelled Bristol to a stunning victory, turning a daunting deficit into a memorable comeback.
Yet, for all the excitement he generates on the pitch, Ibitoye remains grounded about his situation with the national team. Speaking candidly on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, the winger acknowledged that he has had "no chat" with Borthwick regarding a potential call-up for the autumn internationals. “Hopefully one day soon,” he said, offering a glimpse into both his ambition and patience as he waits for his shot on the international stage.
A Record-Breaking Season, But Still Waiting for England Call
Ibitoye’s omission from the England squad is even more puzzling when one looks at the numbers. Last season, he topped the Premiership’s charts in key areas — most metres made, most offloads, and most defenders beaten. His dominance in these areas wasn’t just marginal; he outperformed his peers by a considerable distance, putting him in a league of his own.
Fast forward to the current season, and Ibitoye is already sitting in second place for metres made (310) after just four games, trailing only Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. His four tries thus far have been as crucial as they have been spectacular, helping to cement his place as one of the Premiership’s most exciting players.
But despite these remarkable numbers, the England door remains closed for now. Borthwick is set to announce his 36-player squad for the autumn internationals on Wednesday, and Ibitoye remains philosophical about his chances. “Looking at England, Steve definitely wants something from his wingers. I think I am different as a total package. I don’t know what the nuts and bolts are,” he said, hinting at the fact that his unique style might not align with what Borthwick is looking for — yet.
A Risk-Taker or a Game-Changer?
Ibitoye’s playing style has always been about taking risks. He thrives on spontaneity and creativity, reading the game moment by moment and executing plays that others might not dare to attempt. “The way I see it, I’m just playing what I see in that moment, in that picture. So for me, it’s not that risky because in the week I practice it a lot,” he explained.
This ability to play “in the moment” is both Ibitoye’s greatest asset and perhaps the reason for his absence from the England setup. While his flair for risk-taking has paid off in spectacular fashion at the club level, it may not align with Borthwick’s more conservative approach to winger selection. “The wingers he's got in there are obviously class, but I know I might have to be less risky on the field and not take as risky decisions,” Ibitoye acknowledged.
But for Ibitoye, these risks are calculated. His confidence stems from countless hours on the training field, where he sharpens his instincts and works to perfect those very plays that others might deem too risky. “When I first joined Quins, I was doing it and it wasn’t coming off, but I stuck at it. Now, passes are starting to go to hand, and my teammates know what I’m going to bring on the training field and on matchday.”
The Waiting Game Continues
For now, Ibitoye will continue to do what he does best — light up the Premiership with jaw-dropping performances while patiently waiting for the England call that he knows he deserves. His blend of power, pace, and game-changing unpredictability has already cemented him as one of the league’s most exciting players. Whether or not Borthwick decides to bring that flair into the England camp remains to be seen, but if Ibitoye’s hat-trick heroics against Exeter are anything to go by, it’s only a matter of time before he forces his way into the national conversation.
As Wednesday’s squad announcement looms, rugby fans across the country will be watching closely to see if Ibitoye’s name is finally called. And even if it isn’t, there’s no doubt that his time will come.
Ibitoye's Unique Talent Deserves England Recognition
Gabriel Ibitoye’s absence from the England squad feels like an oversight that can’t be ignored for much longer. His ability to single-handedly change the course of a match, combined with his dominance in key statistical areas, makes him a player that any national team would be fortunate to have. While his risk-taking style may not fit the traditional mold, it’s precisely this unpredictability that sets him apart. England could benefit from a player who brings something different, something electrifying — and Ibitoye is exactly that.
