Academy eight sign pro deals

GLOUCESTER Rugby have confirmed that eight players from their successful academy squad have graduated in to the senior squad.

Among the eight players to have signed senior deals are scrum half Dave Lewis, centre Henry Trinder and wing Charlie Sharples, all of whom have already appeared for the first team.

They will be joined by prop Yann Thomas, second row Dan Williams, scrum half Jordi Pasqualin and fly halves Tristan Roberts and Freddie Burns in signing pro deals..

New head coach Bryan Redpath praised the efforts of the Gloucester Academy for bringing players through into the first team fold.

"A successful Academy set up is vital for any Guinness Premiership club," said Redpath.

"It's good to have a steady progression of young, local talent coming up through the ranks."

"Some of them have already made the breakthrough and I hope that they'll all go on to become regulars in the first team squad."

Lewis will start the season as one of only two scrum halves with first team experience and will battle Scotland A star Rory Lawson for the number 9 jersey.

Trinder, who starred for England at the recent Junior World Championships is another to have made the breakthrough last season.

The former Cirencester youngster impressed in four appearances for the first team as a replacement for injured skipper Mike Tindall.

Sharples is another with first team experience, making eleven appearances and earning instant favour with the shed when scoring a try in the 36-27 victory over bitter rivals Bath in February.

Academy manager Mark Cornwell praised the work of the clubs associated with the cherry and whites in improving and preparing the young players for first team action.

"The production line seems to be working and I think a lot of that is down to dual registration," said Cornwell.

"Our players have been gaining experience playing for Cinderford and Moseley and then going on to first team level."

"I should also mention the relationship with Hartpury College. A number of the boys have been gaining valuable playing experience within the very successful Hartpury set up."

"I'm delighted that so many of the lads are moving upwards through the ranks. It seems to be working well and we all hope it continues."

With the addition of the eight academy graduates, head coach Bryan Redpath now has a first team squad of 42 to choose from.