Gloucester Rugby have confirmed that loose-head prop Val Rapava-Ruskin has signed a contract extension with the club. The Georgian-born front-rower is eligible for England, and has been on the fringes of a test match debut within recent seasons.
Rapava-Ruskin joined the Cherry & Whites in 2017 after a two-year spell with Worcester Warriors. He has gone on to become a certified favourite at Kingsholm, with more than a century of caps to his name.
The prop’s 2023/24 season has been hindered by injury, with just two appearances in all competitions, coming as far back as October. However, the 31-year-old’s talents are well known in the West Country, with Rapava-Ruskin voted Supporters’ Stowford Press Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, for the 2022/23 campaign.
Director of Rugby, George Skivington, is happy to keep Val in the famous Cherry and White.
“Val was a really important part of the squad last season and that was recognised with his end of season awards.
“He’s worked really hard to develop his game over the last couple of seasons in particular, so we’re pleased to keep him here at Kingsholm.
“Val and our medical staff are doing everything they can to get him back on the pitch, and I’m sure that when he’s fully fit again, he’ll pick up where he left off before his injury.”
Rapava-Ruskin commented:
“This is a very special place for me, you don’t stay somewhere for seven years if you don’t feel like it’s your home. It’s a sentimental feeling when I come here every day.
“I’d like to try and bring some silverware to this Club. For all the time and belief they’ve given to me, that’s the one thing I want to do whilst I’m here.
“I feel like I’m progressing here, and I still feel like I have much more to give this team.”