Twelvetrees signs new contract with Gloucester Rugby

On the eve of the new Aviva Premiership season, Club Captain Billy Twelvetrees has given Gloucester Rugby a real boost by committing his future to the club having signed a new contract.

The 26 year old is about to enter his fourth season with the club, having moved from the Leicester Tigers in the summer of 2012. Since then, he has established himself as a stalwart of the first team squad, making 70 appearances in his three seasons to date.

Predominantly a centre, but also capable of turning out at fly half, the England international was named Club Captain last season and lifted the European Rugby Challenge Cup trophy.

His new contract completes a memorable few days for Twelvetrees who was confirmed as Club Captain for 2015-16 last week, and who became a father for the first time earlier this week when wife Georgie gave birth to daughter Matilda.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys stressed the importance of retaining such a key player:

"We're all delighted that Billy has signed a contract extension with Gloucester Rugby. In building a squad to compete at the top of the Aviva Premiership, it is essential that we retain our young, English international players and as, Club Captain over the past 12 months, Billy has developed into a key leader within the playing group.

"He knows what is required to be successful at club level and, by signing a contract at this early stage of the season, has shown his commitment to deliver that success in Gloucester colours.

"Billy's leadership, his durability and ability to play across a number of positions in the back line have made him a huge asset to Gloucester over the last three years and having watched him work very hard throughout pre season, I have no doubt he will soon be back pushing for further international honours.”

Meanwhile, Twelvetrees admitted that it had been a whirlwind few days:

"It's been incredible and I couldn't be happier. I love being a Gloucester Rugby player, was honoured to lead the team last year and genuinely humbled to be asked to do so again.

"Now the new contract and the new arrival really are the icing on the cake. Gloucester is very much my club and very much our home. Knowing that this is where my future lies is a huge bonus, and I'm really looking forward to the new season and helping us to realise our undoubted potential.”