Gloucester centre Mark Atkinson signs new 'multi-year deal'

Gloucester Rugby have announced that England international Mark Atkinson has signed a new multi-year contract with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Atkinson joined the Cherry and Whites ahead of the 2014/15 season and has racked up over 150 appearances for the club since then.

His consistent performances for Gloucester saw him earn a call-up to England squad and made his Test debut when he came off the bench against Tonga last month. He also had represented Barbarians that took on England in a friendly in 2019.

“Mark works really hard and is the sort of character that makes a really big contribution to the squad here at Gloucester Rugby," said Skivington to the club's official website.

“He’s recently been rewarded with an England cap and the way he’s come back into the squad and really pushed on further makes his re-signing really exciting for us.”

The 31-year-old made his professional rugby debut with Sale Sharks in 2008 and also had featured for Wasps, Esher and Bedford Blues before heading to Kingsholm.

Chief Operating Officer Alex Brown is delighted with Atkinson extending his stay at the club.

“Mark has been an integral part of the Gloucester Rugby squad for a number of years now and has become a real leader within our squad.

“We know that the culture we are building here is extremely exciting, and players like Mark committing his future to Kingsholm is a hugely positive sign for the direction we are heading in.”

Gloucester are positioned sixth in the Gallagher Premiership table after managing five wins from nine matches.