Gloucester stalwart Ludlow signs new deal

Gloucester stalwart Lewis Ludlow has signed a new contract to stay with the club into the 2026-27 season.

Back row Ludlow made his 250th appearance for the Cherry and Whites last weekend in what is his 11th campaign with the club having come through their academy.

The 31-year-old was Gloucester captain for five seasons from 2020 before being replaced by Tomos Williams at the start of this campaign.

Director of rugby George Skivington said Ludlow would go down as a "legend" of the club.

"His professionalism, warrior-like mentality, and the passion he brings to the club set the standard for any player," he said.

"On the field, Luds continues to deliver when it matters, and that's ultimately why we've extended his contract ahead of the 2026-27 season."

Ludlow returned from injury which had kept him out of the side since the first round of the Prem for last weekend's win against Harlequins, scoring a try.

He said he was "incredibly honoured" to represent Gloucester.

"The club took a chance on me when I was a 17-year-old kid at Hartpury - 250 games later, I still have the same desire to give back and make the fans proud as I did on my debut," he said.

"It's an exciting time off the field with changes to the academy structure and other developments, and I still feel at the top of my game, so re-signing was an easy decision."