Gloucester have confirmed that their Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker Richard Hibbard will leave the club at the end of the season to play for Dragons.

It’s often said that the Gloucester supporters love their forwards to dominate games and, since his arrival at the club in the summer of 2014, they’ve taken Hibbard to their hearts and regarded him as one of their own.

Never giving anything less than total commitment to the cause, the Port Talbot-born player has shown remarkable durability in his time in Cherry and White, making 91 appearances to date in this his fourth season.

It’s a significant contribution given the physical way Hibbard goes about his business on the pitch, frequently putting his body on the line in the increasingly demanding game of modern rugby union.

Whether carrying the ball powerfully, putting in big hits in defence or going about his business in the set-piece, he’s always done so with his heart on his sleeve and never left the field without giving it absolutely everything.

Hibbard was under contract for another season following this one and admits that he’ll leave with a heavy heart, albeit with great memories, but that the opportunity to finish his career where it began, in Wales, was too good to turn down.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult decision,” he said. “The reason it’s been so tough is that I’ve become so attached to Gloucester during my time here. I’ve probably played some of my very best rugby in Cherry and White and I’ve enjoyed it so much.

“My family have been made to feel so welcome, we’ve made friends for life, on and off the field, and we’ll always think of Gloucester as a home from home.

“The support is second to none, whether it’s the roar of the Shed before kick-off, meeting and talking to supporters around the city or seeing them proudly wearing the colours when we’re on the road.

“Gloucester’s become a real part of me, and always will be and I’m proud to be able to say that. I hope people can see that I’ve bought into that, have always given it 100 per cent and promise that I will continue to do so for the rest of my time here.

“Johan [Ackermann] talks about leaving your imprint on a club when you move on and, when the time comes, I hope I’ll be able to look back on my time and feel that I’ve done that. The future looks exciting, there are some talented young players coming through, and I hope the Gloucester supporters will be rewarded for their incredible loyalty by the team tasting success.

“Finishing my career in Wales is important to me though, and this opportunity has probably come a little sooner than I expected. But to have the chance to finish on a high, back home in Wales in front of family and friends is an exciting one.”

Director of rugby David Humphreys added that when Hibbard moves on he’ll have made an excellent contribution to the club’s history.

“We knew what we were getting when Hibbs joined the club – an absolute warrior – and he’s more than lived up to that. The part he’s played for Gloucester Rugby over the past few seasons cannot be overestimated.

“But, when we were made aware of the opportunity that had arisen, we felt that it was only fair to allow Richard to pursue it.

“As is the case with Ross Moriarty, I know for a fact that Hibbs will give it everything in his remaining time with Gloucester Rugby. We’ll wish them both well in their future endeavours when the time comes, but look forward to them making more memories here before they leave.”