Daryl gained 19 New Zealand caps following his debut against Samoa in Albany in June 1999. He played throughout the 1999 Rugby World Cup; his only try for the All Blacks coming against Italy at Huddersfield in that competition.
Daryl also appeared in all five games for the New Zealand Maori on their 1998 tour of Scotland and was called into the New Zealand Barbarians' side that played England at Twickenham in December 2003 to celebrate the World Champions' homecoming.
Daryl made a team record 78 appearances for the Crusaders in Super 12 rugby from 1996-2002, scoring 14 tries and gaining three winners medals in 1998, 1999 and 2002. He also played 80 matches for Canterbury following his debut in June 1993, claiming 35 tries and winning the New Zealand Provincial Championship with them in 1997 and 2001. Educated at Christchurch Boys High School and Canterbury University, Gibson played for New Zealand U19 in 1993 and 1994, and New Zealand U21 in 1994, 1995 and 1996.
He moved to England, joining Bristol Shoguns in September 2002, making his home debut against Leicester Tigers in the Zurich Premiership on September 29. He was also named as vice-captain for season 2006-2007.