Gloucester sign Champ tight-head as 'Proving Ground' bears fruit again

Coventry tight-head Eliot Salt is the latest player to make the step up to the Gallagher PREM after establishing himself in the Champ.

The 26-year-old is the third player from Coventry alone to be snapped up by a PREM club, giving further credibility to the Champ’s reputation as the ‘proving ground’ for aspirational players.

Salt has made 69 appearances over the past three seasons and joins winger David Opoku (Sale Sharks) and back-rower Allan Ferrie (Newcastle) in playing at a higher level next season.

“Eliot is a player who has earned a really strong reputation in the Champ and has been very consistent over a number of seasons,” said Gloucester head coach George Skivington.

“He’s at a good age for a prop and has plenty of experience already, but we also believe there’s more to come from him.

“We’re looking forward to bringing him into the group and seeing him develop further in our environment.”

Salt, who linked up with the Gloucester squad today, said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to make the step up to the Prem. Obviously none of this would’ve been possible without the support of the club and the environment I’ve been in for the last three years so I want to say a huge thank you to the coaches and my teammates.

“I want to say a big thank you to the fans as well, they’ve got us over the line a few times in tight games and I’ll miss their unwavering support.”

Coventry have lined up a successor for Salt and will make an announcement once an international visa has been granted.