Personal Overview

I am currently contracted to the senior squad at Ampthill RUFC who play in the English Championship for the season 22/23 I made my First team debut in the Championship Cup this season  and I am a regular starter for the 2nd XV that plays in the Raging Bull Shield Division 1  

I’m a hardworking player, my standout skill would be my dominant presence in the line outs especially in defence, as I can read the opposition and get up fast. My line out leadership along with many other skills such as my ball carrying and my handling skills makes me a confident player. I am a dynamic player who is capable of playing across the back 5  

Previously I was an integral part of Ampthill Academy and Samuel Whitbread Academy squads (Northampton Saints Partner School) and also represented East Midlands at U18 and U20 level.  

I regularly played for Hartpury University whilst I was there studying, and I captained the 3rd team. 

I was a member of the squad in 2019 at Samuel Whitbread that was the first state school team to make the finals of a national competition.

We went on to win the final that took place at Twickenham. 

I am looking to play at the highest level and look forward to hearing from you.

Previous Clubs

• 2008 - Ampthill Rugby Club

Coaching References

To whom it concerns,

For the last two years Alistair, Ali has been on a rugby programme at Samuel Whitbread Academy who I believe have a link to Northampton Saints

Having spoken to friends and coaches that have worked with Ali over the years (some from when he was only 5 years old), they all speak highly about him.  Apparently, Ali was a real late developer, had always been a squad player at best for years but during the last three years has changed in all recognition.  I have to take their word for it but from my own experience over the last couple of years when I’ve had the pleasure to meet, coach and watch him play I have found Ali to be a hardworking, very coachable young man that always gives you 100% whether training or playing.  I was pleased to hear that he has been a regular starter for his school 1^st XV team and that they recently won the NatWest Vase Final at Twickenham.

My view… a team player, an effective, agile and explosive front jumper in the Lineout who could excel both offensively and defensively in the lineout as his understanding and confidence continues to grow and maybe a future lineout leader. A high work rate,  a desire to support the ball carries to aid the continuity of his team and to do the polar opposite defensively is a real positive.  He will benefit from a more professional program, skill development, tactical nous, s&c, nutrition and psychology etc.  In any case, I’m sure Ali will continue to be a positive force within any team/squad in the future.

Regards,

Neil.

Neil Back MBE

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To whom it may concern. 

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ali for the last 2 seasons. In that time his confidence and maturity has really stood out. He is now amongst one of the leaders and sets a good example to the rest of the squad.

When Ali first came in he was a quiet lad, nervous of making a mistake and would often be quite hard on himself. But he has worked hard on all aspects of his game and is constantly looking to improve. His enthusiasm and skill set makes him a valuable member of the team.

Specialising in the 2nd row he’s equally happy at 2 or 4 in the lineout, and has made his mark at 2 with a good mix of speed and power, often winning a lot of opposition ball.

Ali has shown good handling skills and link play and has been comfortable slotting in at No8 on the odd occasion. Currently playing in a team of ball carriers he has adapted his game in the support role and works hard off the ball. Ali continues to improve, and is working on his S/C in the gym, I’m sure that will make a massive difference at the breakdown and his tackling which is technically good.

Ali has played senior rugby this season for the 3rd team and has just started joining in training sessions with the 1st team squad to gain experience and get a better understanding of what’s required to play at a high level. I’m pleased to say the feedback from coaches and players has been very positive. 

I wish Ali all the best, and if he continues with the same work rate and attitude he has shown so far, he will develop into a very accomplished rugby player. I look forward to seeing how far his rugby journey takes him.

Tom Gray

Ampthill Academy Head Coach

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To whom it may concern,

Ali Gibbs is a hardworking, extremely coachable 2nd row forward.  Over the last few years he has improved dramatically, working in particular on his core catch pass and contact skills.  I have worked with Ali for the past two years and he has been a regular starter in our school 1st XV team, who got the final of the Natwest Bowl Competition in 2018 and this year have won the Natwest Vase competition, playing the final at Twickenham, where Ali had an excellent performance. 

Ali is extremely effective in the lineout. He has good footwork along the floor and an explosive jump, and feels most comfortable competing for the ball at the front of the lineout.  He has recently started taking more of a leadership role and will confidently call the lineout as well.  Because of his speed into the air, he is very good defensively and uses his strength well to compete in a one on one situations in the air, this results in a lot of turn overs.

Another strength of Ali’s is his work rate off the ball.  He doesn’t often offer himself as a main ball carrier but runs some excellent support lines off the main carriers and this can lead to good line breaks. He works extremely hard in the contact and breakdown area and regularly has a good tackle count with his effective low tackle technique.

Ali has recently represent East Midlands U18s and all the feedback I was given from the coaches was extremely positive.  I look forward to seeing how Ali progresses in the future as I believe he has a lot of potential, and with his work ethic in training I can see him becoming an excellent player in the future.  He should continue a regular training program and would benefit from one to one strength and conditioning, to help take him to the next level.  He is a great character and would be a great asset to any squad that he joins in the future.

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