Gloucester sign Ben Loader from Stormers

Gloucester have signed winger Ben Loader from the Stormers ahead of next season, as reported by RugbyPass. 

The 26-year-old has spent the last two seasons in Cape Town having joined following the demise of his former club London Irish in 2023.

The former England U20 international, who has also represented an England XV against the Barbarians, will fill the void left by Santiago Carreras in the back three at Kingsholm, with the Argentine set to join Bath.

Loader will form an electric back three at Gloucester alongside Christian Wade and Ollie Thorley next season.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Gloucester Rugby next season,” Loader said. “I’ve really enjoyed my stint playing with the Stormers in South Africa, but the opportunity to return to England next season with Gloucester was too good to turn down.

“The club’s ambitions match my aspirations for the future and I’m excited to work with George (Skivington) & James (Lightfoot Brown) again, who I know can help me develop my game even further.

“Kingsholm is one of the best places to play rugby in the country, and I’ll be glad to have those fans behind me when I get out there next season!”

Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington added: “Ben was another player at Irish that was thriving there when they ran into their difficulties. He’s moved away to a new country and team and used it as an experience to learn and grow and that’s been impressive.

“He’s everything you want from a back three player, fast, powerful, agile and his ability to play wing and full-back will be really handy throughout a long season.

“We’re delighted to bring him to Kingsholm, and I’m sure the fans here will enjoy watching him in Cherry & White.”