Gloucester sign another Ospreys player as Welsh exodus continues

A graduate of the London Irish Academy, Cokanasiga joined Leicester Tigers in 2022 and also spent time on loan in the Championship with Nottingham during his spell with the club.

The younger brother of Bath winger Joe Cokanasiga, Phil represented England Under-18 in 2018. He later featured in the England Under-20 squad that secured a junior Grand Slam during the 2021 Six Nations Under-20s Championship.

Cokanasiga made his senior debut for London Irish during the 2019–20 campaign. In the 2021–22 season he gained additional experience through loan spells with Rosslyn Park and Esher.

It was confirmed on 12 May 2022 that Cokanasiga had signed for Leicester Tigers. He made his debut for the club on 10 September 2022, coming off the bench in a 24–20 defeat away to Exeter Chiefs. In his final season with Leicester he scored two tries in their Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final victory over Ealing Trailfinders. He was also among the replacements in the final, where Leicester finished as runners-up after losing to Gloucester.

Cokanasiga moved to Ospreys for the 2024–25 United Rugby Championship season.

Now 24 and playing in Wales with Ospreys, he has enjoyed two seasons of consistent game time in the URC. He has already played more than 700 minutes this season, scoring four tries.

Head Coach, George Skivington, is pleased to add Cokanasiga to the squad.

“Phil is a talented rugby player, and he’s coming off the back of a successful second season with the Ospreys.

“He’ll be a great addition for us when he arrives, and will add extra quality to a midfield which is already very strong.”

Cokanasiga added:

“I’m really excited to take on a new opportunity in the PREM. My time with the Ospreys has been invaluable and I feel it’s prepared me really well to step back into the Gallagher PREM sharper, hungrier, and more confident in my game.

“I already know a lot of the players and coaches at Kingsholm, so I’m looking forward to settling in quickly this summer and getting out on the pitch in front of the Gloucester fans. I can’t wait to be part of it.”