Gloucester snapped up one of the most talked‑about teenagers in English rugby during the summer, handing towering lock Jonno Balding his first professional contract after a breakout season with the U18s.
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The inside line
Pathway to Kingsholm: Joined the Cherry & Whites’ academy in December 2023 and became a mainstay of the U18 side.
| Age | 18 |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) |
| Position | Lock |
| School | Radley College, Oxon |
| England honours | U18 caps |
| Family ties | Nephew of award‑winning broadcaster Clare Balding; son of leading race‑horse trainer Andrew Balding; grandson of Bath great Ian Balding |
International pedigree: Starred for England U18s last term, drawing early whispers of “future Test captain” from age‑grade coaches. He now set for an England U20 call-up in the coming months. He is also eligible to play for Wales.
Rugby genes: Grandad Ian turned out 92 times for Bath before training racehorses for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
What they said
George Skivington (Director of Rugby)
“I’ve watched Jonno closely and he’s a massive talent—literally and figuratively. At 6 ft 9 in he’s an athletic line‑out option, but the best bit is how coachable he is. Developing home‑grown players is vital for us; Jonno can go right to the top.”
Jonno Balding
“Signing at Kingsholm is a dream. I know this environment will push me to become the best player I can be. I can’t wait to get started.”
RUCK verdict
Gloucester love a monstrous lock and Balding ticks every box: size, set‑piece nous, and a ridiculous ceiling for growth. Add in that winning Balding DNA—plus an influential aunt in sports‑broadcast royalty—and Kingsholm may have just secured England’s next big thing.
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