Gibson on the way to England

All Blacks midfield back Daryl Gibson is almost certain to play his last game for Canterbury at Jade Stadium tonight before taking up a contract in Britain.

Gibson - a member of the All Blacks' Tri-Nations squad and vice-captain in the first test of the year against Italy - is believed to have signed for the Bristol club, coached by former All Blacks selector Peter Thorburn.

It is understood the NZRFU has granted him an early release from his contract here - due to expire at the end of the year.

The English season starts this weekend.

Gibson preferred not to comment yesterday because he wanted to focus on preparing for the Ranfurly Shield match against Southland. But an announcement was expected after the game.

British sources confirmed that the Cantabrian had been on the top of Bristol's shopping list for some time.

The Canterbury Rugby Union is expected to farewell Gibson - captain of the team who lifted the Ranfurly Shield from Waikato in 2000 - at the end of the match.

Gibson, 27, is still in the prime of his career and, on present form, would have been a strong contender for the All Blacks squad for next year's World Cup.

Earlier this year Gibson admitted he had been "thinking about other options to go overseas" before his All Blacks recall.

Just this week he described this year's international season "as one of the most enjoyable All Black campaigns I've had".

- NZPA