Gloucester complete triple signing ahead of 2025/26-season

Gloucester Rugby have added a further three players to the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The trio join Ross Byrne, Will Joseph, Ben Loader, James Venter, Ben Redshaw, Jack Mann, Jack Innard and Will Trenholm in moving to Kingsholm this summer.

Scrum-half, Mike Austin, who has impressed on loan for the Cherry & Whites this season, will join the Club permanently this summer, making the switch from Hartpury RFC.

Austin commented:

“I’m delighted to be joining Gloucester Rugby next season. Having had the opportunity to play for the Club earlier in the season, I’m really excited to be able link up with the squad full-time next season.

“I’m looking forward to working with Tomos & Caolan, developing my game and challenging for the scrum-half jersey. I can’t wait to get started.”

Austin has been one of the form players in the RFU Championship this season, as has Hugh Bokenham, who joins from Cornish Pirates.

Bokenham is an age grade Australian international and has impressed at the Mennaye this season, including a strong showing against the Cherry & Whites in the Premiership Rugby Cup. At 6'4'', Bokenham is capable of playing lock or back row, and will no doubt be a valuable addition to the squad.

Bokenham is excited to test himself in the Gallagher Premiership:

"I’m super excited to be joining Gloucester next season and playing Premiership rugby.

“It’s a massive club with an incredible history, and I’ve always heard how special Kingsholm and its atmosphere is.

“The lads have had a great season so far, there is something really special building there and I can’t wait to be a part of it”

Finally, arriving at Kingsholm this summer is former London Irish and Newcastle back row, Josh Basham. Basham is capable of playing across the back row, and joins from a spell out in Japan with Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks.

Basham won ten U20s caps for England, including starting the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship final against France.

He said:

"I’m excited to be joining Gloucester Rugby next season. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Japan, and I’m now looking forward to getting back into the Premiership again.

“Having worked with Skivs and Lights before, Gloucester feels like a really good fit for me and the way I like to play. It’s an exciting time to be joining the team, and I hope to help build on the club’s momentum next season.”

Director of Rugby, George Skivington commented:

“Mike brings plenty of Championship experience with Hartpury and has impressed when called upon on loan for us this season.

“He’s worked hard for a shot at professional rugby and we’re looking forward to seeing how he competes with the talented scrum-halves already at the Club.

“His signing is a great example of our relationship with Hartpury, and long may it continue.

“Hugh is a talented forward and, like Mike, brings a wealth of Championship experience already at such a young age.

“He’s a powerful ball carrier, we’ve witnessed that first-hand when we played against him in the Premiership Rugby Cup this season, and he’s also capable of playing multiple positions in the pack, which is a really valuable asset in today’s game.

“Josh already has Premiership experience with both London Irish and Newcastle Falcons, but I know he’s hungry to kick on and make a name for himself in the league.

“With his arrival, we’re pretty well-stocked in the back row now, and I’m really excited about how the whole squad is shaping up for next season.”