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Andy Onyeama-Christie on brink of Saracens exit as new club emerge
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Gloucester sign Will Joseph, reports say Leinster player also joining
By Liam Heagney
High-flying Gloucester have bolstered their squad for next season with the signing of Will Joseph, the one-cap England midfielder from Harlequins. Confirmation of his recruitment by George Skivington, a move first reported by RugbyPass last November, came on Wednesday afternoon amid reports that Ross Byrne, the Leinster out-half, will also arrive for the 2025/26 season on a three-year deal.
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The 30-year-old hasn’t played for Ireland since an appearance off the bench in a September 2023 Rugby World Cup match versus Tonga, and he has also now fallen behind the fast-emerging Sam Prendergast in the Leinster pecking order.
Byrne’s touted arrival has yet to be officially confirmed by Gloucester, but their addition of Joseph has been announced. A statement read: “Gloucester are delighted to confirm the signing of exciting young centre Will Joseph from fellow Gallagher Premiership club Harlequins.
“A product of the London Irish academy from the age of 13, Joseph made his senior debut for the Exiles in 2021. In his debut season, the centre was a vital part of their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign where they were defeated by Worcester Warriors in the final.
“Joseph made 30 appearances for Irish before joining fellow London club Harlequins following the Exiles’ suspension from the Premiership in 2023. After making a try-scoring debut for Quins against Gloucester at Kingsholm, he has gone on to make 18 appearances.
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England international centre, Will Joseph, joins the Cherry & Whites for the 2025/26 season!
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— Gloucester Rugby ? (@gloucesterrugby) February 19, 2025
“The 22-year-old represented England at U18s and U20s level before making his senior debut in England’s tour of Australia in 2022.”
Joseph said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Gloucester in the summer. After speaking to George, I am excited about the direction the club is going in, and I feel like my game suits the way the coaches want to play. Kingsholm is a great place to play rugby, and I can’t wait to have to have the Gloucester fans on my side!”
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Director of rugby Skivington added: “Will is a really talented young player, and his ability has been clear to see since he burst onto the scene as a youngster with Irish.
“We are pleased to bring him here to Kingsholm and add to the quality in those midfield spots. He brings a slightly different skill set to the other guys we have got there, so we’re excited by how they will complement each other.”
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