Gloucester sign ANOTHER Wales international as region left reeling

The news follows closely on the heels of the announcement, just an hour earlier, that Lake’s Ospreys and Wales teammate Jac Morgan will also be heading to Kingsholm.

Lake, an abrasive and uncompromising presence at the front of the scrum, arrives with a growing reputation as one of the most dynamic hookers in the game.

Born in Ogmore Vale, he has racked up more than 70 appearances for the Ospreys across the United Rugby Championship, Challenge Cup and Champions Cup, establishing himself as a key figure for the region.

His leadership qualities have been evident from an early stage. After making his Wales Under-20 debut in 2018, Lake was handed the captaincy for the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship. He led the side to one of their most memorable results at the tournament, a famous 8–7 victory over New Zealand.

Lake’s senior Wales journey began with a call-up in 2020, though he had to wait until the 2022 Six Nations to earn his first cap, coming against Ireland. Since then, he has become a regular fixture in red, collecting 26 caps to date.

His international highlights include a historic win over South Africa on their own soil and a prominent role at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he co-captained the squad alongside Jac Morgan — a partnership that will now be rekindled at club level in Gloucestershire.

Gloucester Director of Rugby George Skivington believes Lake is an ideal fit for the club’s identity.

“Dewi is the epitome of a modern-day hooker,” Skivington said. “He’s dominant at set piece, works tirelessly around the park and brings a real edge to everything he does.

“He’s gritty and abrasive, and that’s exactly the sort of player Gloucester supporters connect with. I think they’ll take to Dewi very quickly.

“With Dewi and Jac coming in, we’ve significantly strengthened our pack. They add real quality to what we already have here, and we’re shaping up nicely for the start of the 2026/27 season.”

For Lake, the move represents both a new challenge and a timely opportunity.

“I had a really good conversation with the club about their ambitions and where I could fit into that,” he said. “That really excited me about what’s ahead.

“I’ve always admired Gloucester and the way they play. It suits my strengths and how I like to approach the game.

“The Gallagher Premiership is probably the most competitive league in the world, and I feel like I’m at a good stage in my career to grab this opportunity with both hands.”