Gloucester snare a Wallaby

Gloucester have revealed that Australian international hooker Huia Edmonds has signed for the club.

The 30-year-old agreed to move to Kingsholm for the 2012-13 season, which comes not long after the club confirmed that centre Billy Twelvetrees would be joining from the Leicester Tigers at the end of the current campaign.

Edmonds was actually born in New Zealand but his international career has been in the gold of Australia, who he has represented at Schoolboy, Under-19, Under-21 and Wallaby level.

In addition to his international caps, he possesses significant Super Rugby experience having played for the Waratahs, Stormers and, most recently, the Brumbies.

He made his Test debut against Fiji in June 2010 and was strongly tipped to make the Wallabies squad for the 2011 World Cup, only to be ruled out with a foot injury.

Head coach Bryan Redpath told the club website that Edmonds will bring real quality to the Gloucester first team squad.

“Huia’s an experienced player who has performed consistently well at Super Rugby and international level.

“He’s an athletic, mobile, ball playing hooker who has also worked incredibly hard on his set piece work.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming him to Gloucester in time for preseason training.” 

Edmonds himself confirmed that he’s looking forward to beginning his career with Gloucester.

“I am very excited about the next two years at Gloucester and playing rugby with some of England’s finest rugby players.

“The club has a great supporter base which I think is fantastic for the team’s passion and performance.

“Watching Gloucester from back here in Australia I think their playing style is very similar to what we play in the Super 15, which obviously influenced my decision to sign.

“I think it is a great opportunity for myself and my family to come over and experience the rugby and the lifestyle in England.”
 
* Meanwhile  Gloucester confirmed that Peter Buxton, one of the club’s most popular and longest serving players, has agreed a new one-year contract.

 As a result, Buxton, who is in the midst of a celebration season at the club, will take his association with Gloucester into a second decade.
 
 The Cheltenham born back row forward joined Gloucester from Newport in 2002 and has gone on to become one of the most durable and consistent players in the squad.
 
 The recent Premiership fixture against Worcester Warriors at Sixways saw him make his 250th competitive appearance for the club and he shows no signs of slowing up.
 
 Bucko, as he is affectionately known by everyone at Gloucester, told the club website that he’s delighted to commit for another year.
 
 “I’m really happy to sign for another year. Everyone knows how much I love it here at Kingsholm and I’m still enjoying my rugby as much as ever.
 
 “Bryan’s building such a good squad here, they are genuinely exciting times and I’m delighted I’ll be part of it for another season.”
 
 Meanwhile, Redpath confirmed how important Buxton is to the Gloucester cause.
 
“Every team needs someone like Bucko, someone who delivers a consistent level of performance every week. Someone who turns up every week and simply gets on with it without complaining.
 
 “He’s been a key member of our squad for a long time now and it’s tribute to his professionalism that he’s still playing as well as ever.”