Gloucester Hartpury add 'world-class' French firepower to 2026/27 squad

Experienced France international Gabrielle Vernier will join three-time Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Gloucester Hartpury for the 2026/27 season.

The 60-cap centre joins from Blagnac Rugby after a seven year stay with the Toulouse club. During her time with the club, Blagnac were three-time runners-up.

She joins a Gloucester Hartpury team that have missed out on the PWR final for the first time since 2022.

Vernier’s impending arrival will act as a tonic for the West Country club, who will see England international Tatyana Heard leave Kingsholm Stadium for Sale Sharks this Summer.

At the 2023 edition of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, Vernier was named Player of the Championship. At this year’s edition of the tournament the 29-year-old won her 60th Test cap for her country against Wales, but left the contest early with an AC joint dislocation.

Vernier said: “From my first conversations with the club, I was struck by the ambition of the programme and the high standards expected every day, which made the opportunity particularly exciting for me.

“Gloucester Hartpury has built an outstanding reputation in the women’s game, and it’s clear why. The quality throughout the organisation and the culture that has been created make it a place where players can thrive and continue to improve.

“The chance to compete in the PWR was another major attraction. It’s one of the strongest competitions in the world, and I feel this is the right stage of my career to embrace a new challenge. I’m looking forward to testing myself in a new environment and contributing to the club’s future success.”

Vernier took up rugby aged 10 with Rueil Athletic Club. After she progressed with Racing Club Nanterre she moved to Lille for university and turned out for Lille MRCV, where she won Elite 1 in her debut season.

The 29-year-old made her international debut in 2017 against Spain and has remained a consistent figure in Les Bleues’ midfield ever since.

Dan Murphy, Gloucester Hartpury Head of Rugby, commented: “Gabrielle is a world-class player who has consistently performed at the very highest level for both club and country.

“Her experience, physicality and game intelligence make her one of the standout centres in international rugby. Beyond her obvious qualities on the field, she’s a driven competitor whose standards and professionalism will have a hugely positive influence throughout our environment.

“She’s achieved a huge amount in her career already, from winning domestic titles to earning individual honours on the international stage. We’re thrilled that she’s chosen to join Gloucester Hartpury and can’t wait to see her in our colours.”