"Steps down leagues" - Gloucester confirm Billy Twelvetrees will depart Kingsholm
Rugby NewsWednesday, 19 April 2023 at 13:57
It is always bittersweet to see a long-serving player leave a club, but Billy Twelvetrees' contribution to Gloucester Rugby over the past 11 years will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by fans.
His consistent performances on the field, leadership qualities and popularity among supporters have made him a key figure at Kingsholm.
Joining Ealing Trailfinders will provide Twelvetrees with a new challenge and an opportunity to continue playing rugby at a high level.
The Championship is a competitive league, and Twelvetrees' experience and skillset will undoubtedly be an asset to his new club.
It is worth noting that Twelvetrees' departure will create a void in Gloucester's midfield, and the club will need to find a suitable replacement for him.
However, it also presents an opportunity for younger players to step up and fill the void. Gloucester Rugby has a rich history of developing young talent, and it will be interesting to see who will emerge as the next star in the club's midfield.
Gloucester confirm SIX departure:
Tom Seabrook to Northampton Saints
The 23-year-old will arrive at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this summer from Gloucester Rugby, where he progressed through the academy system while also enjoying a stint with Championship side Hartpury University.
Seabrook broke a Gallagher Premiership record back in May 2018, when he scored the fastest try on league debut for the Cherry and Whites against Saracens – crossing the whitewash in just 58 seconds.
He has gone on to score nine more tries in 61 appearances in all competitions for Gloucester, and while he can also line up in the centres when required, Seabrook is relishing the prospect of joining the men in Black, Green and Gold’s stable of back-three players.
“One of the most exciting things about moving to Northampton is the way that the team plays,” Seabrook said. “It’s a really attractive style of rugby, with Saints always topping the charts in line breaks and tries scored.
“As an outside back, that’s something that really appeals to me, and speaking to the coaches there, I know they have the confidence in me to really kick on as a player in the years ahead.
“I’ve played up at Franklin’s Gardens a few times already and I love the ground – it’s a fast pitch, which I hope will suit me, and a fantastic atmosphere walking through the Fan Village before the games, as you’re right in the mix with the supporters.
“The Club’s training facilities are spot on as well, so I’m really excited to get started in the summer. I feel like I am ready to take the next step in my career, and Saints feels like the perfect environment to do so with the players and staff already on board.”
Ben Morgan is retiring
Nicknamed the ‘Dursley Bull’, Morgan grew up plying his trade at his local rugby club, Dursley RFC before starting his professional career in Wales with the Scarlets. He later moved home to Kingsholm in 2012 and since then, the number eight has been ever-present in a Cherry & White shirt.
Now after more than 180 appearances for Gloucester Rugby, and 31 caps for England over the last decade, Morgan will celebrate the end of his career aptly with a testimonial year.
After appointing his committee, Morgan will host a drinks reception to mark the start of his testimonial year this evening at the SLG studios in Cheltenham. His events will be in support of the 4Ed campaign and the Sam Polledri Foundation.
Gloucester Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer Alex Brown applauded Ben’s service to the club.
“It’s a great honour for Ben to be celebrating his testimonial at his home-town side. He has given a tremendous amount to this club, and we’re delighted that we can celebrate this with him.
“He’s committed the majority of his playing career to Gloucester Rugby and will hang up his boots knowing he leaves a lasting legacy in Cherry & White. I know that he’s very eager to leave his mark on the field too with plenty of the season remaining before he bows out.
“Whilst we’ll be sad to see him go at the end of the season, we’re really looking forward to supporting his events, and raising money for two very worthy causes in the 4Ed campaign and the Sam Polledri Foundation.”
Jack Polledri to Zebre
Polledri, 27, signed from Hartpury RFC in the summer of 2017, quickly becoming a first-team regular for the Cherry & Whites and earning his first full Italy cap against Scotland in Rome. He has since secured 20 caps for the Azzuri.
The Gloucester Rugby academy graduate was shortlisted in 2018 for the RPA Young Player of the Year and Premiership Rugby’s Discovery of the Season.
The Gloucester Rugby academy graduate was shortlisted in 2018 for the RPA Young Player of the Year and Premiership Rugby’s Discovery of the Season.
Suffering a major injury whilst on international duty in 2020, Polledri was forced to watch on from the side-line for over two years.
After 820 days out, the back-row forward made a gradual return to the Gloucester Rugby squad, playing in the Premiership Rugby Cup and on loan at neighbours Hartpury.
Gloucester Rugby Head Coach, George Skivington, wished Polledri all the best on his move.
“Whilst we’re sad to see Jake go, we’re pleased for him, and the fresh challenge Italy will present.
“To overcome the injury he sustained, and how he’s dealt with a lengthy recovery, tells you a lot about his character. He’s worked hard to get back on the field and we’re sure that his move to Zebre will see him continue to perform at his best.
“Jake’s given a lot in Cherry & White and he leaves with our best wishes for the future.”
Finn Theobald-Thomas to Leicester Tigers
The 19-year-old will join Tigers from Gloucester Rugby, who he joined midway through the current campaign from Worcester Warriors.
Theobald-Thomas played academy rugby for Worcester, who he made his senior debut for in a Premiership Rugby Cup fixture in 2021.
The hooker represented England at age-grade levels and was selected in the England Under-20s squad ahead of the 2023 Under-20s Six Nations.
Speaking about the addition of Theobold-Thomas, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “Finn is a young man with a bright future in the game and we are pleased that will be at Leicester Tigers.”
“He has had good exposure to senior rugby at a young age and we are looking forward to seeing him continue to grow as a player as part of Leicester Tigers.
“Finn is getting great experience as part of the England Under-20s squad this year, which will strengthen his game ahead of joining us in the summer and only continue to improve while working under the guidance of Tom Harrison.”
Jordy Reid and Billy Twelvetrees to Ealing Trailfinders
Trailfinders are poised for a double acquisition from Gloucester as they set their sights on former England centre Twelvetrees and a homecoming for back rower Reid.
The 34-year-old, who previously toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013, rose to prominence in the Championship with Bedford Blues and Leicester Tigers before joining Gloucester in 2012, amassing 22 caps for England.
Meanwhile, Australian flanker Reid, 31, began his career in Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels before moving to Gloucester from the Trailfinders three years ago. Now, he is expected to make a triumphant return to the Championship side.
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