Nine new deals at Gloucester
Gloucester's preparations for next season have taken a major step forward with the news that nine members of the current squad have signed new contracts.
Koree Britton, Gareth Evans, Andy Hazell, Will James, Shane Monahan, Dan Murphy, Dan Robson, Yann Thomas and Nick Wood have all signed contract extensions with the club
These signings are in addition to Jonny May and Tom Savage, who were confirmed as having signed new contracts earlier this season and, of course, the news that James Hudson and Matt Kvesic will be joining the club from Newcastle Falcons and Worcester Warriors next season.
Director of Rugby Nigel Davies has made a point of focusing on recruitment and retention at certain points of the season, and confirmed that the hard work is paying off.
"I'm very pleased with the way that the squad is shaping up for next season. The players named today are a real mixture of those with potential for the future, and a number with considerable first team experience.
"They've all played a part for Gloucester Rugby so far this season, and each and every one is the kind of individual we want at the club.
"They’ve all bought into what we’re hoping to achieve here at Gloucester Rugby, and it's good to know that they'll be with us next season."
"We've created a real sense of unity and purpose at the club over the past few months. There will be a lot of continuity in the squad from this season to next, and that can only help in the development of this group of players," he added.
Britton, Evans, Robson and Thomas are all recent graduates of the Gloucester Rugby Academy, and are all starting to make a real impression at first team level.
Hazell, Wood and James have all been stalwarts of the club in recent times. The first two have enjoyed testimonial seasons, while James will be entering his eighth season at Kingsholm.
However, the prize for longevity has to go to Hazell, who made his debut for the first team back in 1997-98 and has made more than 250 appearances for his home town club.
Meanwhile, Murphy will be extending a stay that began back in the summer of 2011. The loosehead prop joined from London Irish and has been a regular in the first team squad ever since, closing in on 50 competitive appearances.
Finally, Irish wing Monahan is rewarded for a solid first season at Kingsholm since joining from Rotherham Titans last summer. The 25 year old has scored six tries in 14 starts.
