Gloucester sign former Northampton prop Alfie Petch

Gloucester have announced the signing of tight-head prop Alfie Petch ahead of the 2024/25 season.

A product of Exeter Chiefs Academy, he signed his first senior contract with the club in the 2018/19 season. During his time with the Chiefs, he also had loan stint with Championship side Cornish Pirates where he represented them in 23 games during the 2022 season.

He joined Northampton Saints ahead of the 2022/23 season and had represented England at the Under 17, Under 18 and Under 20 levels. He spent last season with Biarritz in Pro D2 joining them as medical joker.

“I'm really excited to be heading back to England and joining a Club like Gloucester next season. It’s a new challenge for me and I want to really make my mark in Cherry & White," he told the club's official website.

“It’s been great to experience rugby in France with Biarritz and I’m confident that I’m an even better player coming back into the Premiership.

“I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season with the boys and meet the fans next season.”

Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington is delighted with Petch joining the Cherry and Whites.

“We’re really pleased to bring Alfie here to Kingsholm.

“He’s already had plenty of experience at Exeter, Northampton, Cornish Pirates and Biarritz, and he’s still got plenty of development left in him.

“We’ve got a good group of props here and I’m looking forward to seeing that competition drive each other’s game forward.”