Seam bowler James Hayes has completed a permanent move to Gloucestershire, concluding a five-year association with Nottinghamshire’s Trent Bridge.
The 25-year-old initially joined Nottinghamshire on an 18-month contract midway through the 2021 season, having impressed during a trial period. Hayes made his first-team debut for the club in August 2022.
Hayes will now be based at Gloucestershire’s Seat Unique Stadium on a two-year contract. This permanent signing follows two separate loan spells with Gloucestershire during the current season.
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His first loan spell began in July when he made his senior T20 debut, taking six wickets across four Vitality Blast matches. Hayes contributed notably as Gloucestershire advanced to the quarter-finals, helping secure victories against Worcestershire on the road and Surrey at home.
Earlier in May, Hayes marked his first-class debut for Nottinghamshire in a Rothesay County Championship match away at Leicestershire, entering the field as an injury substitute for Brett Hutton.
Reflecting on his career thus far, Hayes expressed gratitude towards Nottinghamshire, saying, “I’m so grateful to Nottinghamshire for giving me my opportunity by signing me as a 19-year-old. I’ve loved my time here and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”
He acknowledged that leaving Trent Bridge was a difficult choice but voiced enthusiasm for the next phase of his career, stating, “Leaving Trent Bridge was a really tough decision to make but I am excited for the next chapter of my career with Gloucestershire.”