Vellacott inks a Gloucester deal
Vellacott was a first half replacement for club captain Greig Laidlaw in the Premiership win over Worcester Warriors at the start of the month, and his fine form and development to date has been rewarded with a senior deal.
The highly-rated former Scotland Under-20 international has shone this season, and David Humphreys has secured the long-term services of the diminutive half back who possesses a dangerous turn of pace and who has racked up the tries in his appearances on loan this season.
The 21-year old has been a key part of the Gloucester Rugby Academy for a number of seasons, appearing for the United side in the Premiership A League as well as the Premiership Rugby Sevens.
Vellacott has also impressed on dual registration duty this season so far, spending time with London Welsh in the Greene King IPA Championship, and latterly Hartpury RFC in National League One, scoring four tries in last Saturday's win at Fylde.
Vellacott is the latest player to earn a senior contract with the first team after impressing in the Academy, following in the footsteps of Lewis Ludlow, Dan Thomas, Henry Purdy and Ollie Thorley in recent years to name but a few.
With Willi Heinz and Callum Braley already having signed new contracts this season, the number nine shirt looks to be in safe hands moving forward. Also in the development pipeline are the likes of Harry Randall and Charlie Chapman giving Gloucester real strength in depth at the position for the medium to long term future.
Vellacott spoke to the club website about the new deal, and is looking forward to a bright future.
"Delighted to have made my debut a few weeks ago, it is something that I've always wanted to do, and to do it for Gloucester was an honour.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to have signed my first professional contract. I've come through the ranks over the last few years, and to now get that vote of confidence from the club, gives me the confidence to go out and do what I do best on the pitch.
"Greig, Willi and Callum are great scrumhalves, and being able to work with them every day is something I will always make the most of. And, as the year goes on I will be excited to learn from them all and work alongside Willi and Callum next season too,"
