Former England Under-20 Carl Fearns to join Gloucester

Gloucester Rugby have completed the signing of former England Under-20 Carl Fearns for the 2017/18 season.

Fearns has played 93 Aviva Premiership matches for Sale Sharks and Bath combined between 2008 and 2015 and later joined Top 14 club Lyon last year. The back-row forward has also represented England at U-16, U-18 and U-20 levels.

The 27-year-old was also part of the England U-20 team that went on to reach the final of the Junior World Cup in 2009 and in the same year he was nominated for the IRB Junior Player of the Year.

Director of Rugby at Gloucester David Humphreys was delighted with the signing and further added that Fearns is eyeing a spot in the England team through the club.

"We're very happy that Carl has opted to join Gloucester Rugby. He's a quality performer who has made it clear that he wants to be playing in the Premiership to give himself the best possible chance of playing for England, and he sees Gloucester as the best place for him to achieve that goal.

"Carl is exactly the sort of individual that we were looking for to supplement what we already have in the back row. Skilful, tough, uncompromising and possessing a win at all costs attitude.

"He's the kind of person you want alongside you when you're up against it and we're very happy that he'll be joining us for next season. Carl's signing is a statement of intent for the future and he won't be the final signing we announce in the days to come.”

Fearns is keen to stage a comeback to the English Premiership and is hoping for a successful stint with Gloucester.

"I'm thrilled to joining Gloucester Rugby. Historically they have been a powerhouse in English rugby and I'm looking forward to working with the players and coaches to help them achieve their ambitions.

"I've really enjoyed playing my rugby in France and I feel as though I have become a better player for it. I'm excited to return to the Premiership and get stuck in."