Gloucester Rugby has made strategic moves in the transfer market ahead of the 2026/27 season, focusing heavily on reinforcing their forward pack to restore the club’s signature physicality and dominance.
This week, the Cherry and Whites confirmed their eighth new signing, welcoming tighthead prop Eliot Salt from Coventry Rugby to add crucial depth to the front row. Joining him is Samoan international Marco Fepulea’i from French ProD2, further enhancing the pack’s resilience and skill.
High-profile international signings headline Gloucester’s forward reinforcements. Wales internationals Dewi Lake, an experienced hooker, and flanker Jac Morgan have both been signed, each bringing leadership qualities that position them as strong contenders for the club captaincy—especially with Tomos Williams departing for Saracens.
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Adding to this formidable engine room are Springbok powerhouse Jean Kleyn, aged 32, arriving from Munster, and former Bristol Bears favourite Joe Joyce, also 32, who joins from Connacht Rugby. Their experience and strength solidify Gloucester’s reputation as a pack-focused team.
In the backline, the squad remains largely settled. Former England scrum-half Dan Robson arrives from Pau to succeed Williams, with competition expected from Caolan Englefield for the starting scrum-half position. Phil Cokanasiga, 24, has been signed from Ospreys to bolster centre depth, though breaking into a regular starting role may prove challenging.
With these calculated additions and departures, Gloucester Rugby is clearly committed to fortifying their forward dominance while maintaining a competitive edge throughout the squad.