Gloucester swiftly recruit Christian Wade replacement

Gloucester have signed Newcastle Falcons full-back Ben Redshaw ahead of next season.

The 20-year-old will help fill the void in the back three at Kingsholm left by Santi Carreras and rugby league’s latest recruit, Christian Wade, who will join Super League champions Wigan Warriors at the end of the season.

Wade’s rugby union departure was only announced a matter of days ago, and Gloucester have acted quickly by agreeing the England U20 international’s transfer.

Redshaw has made 21 appearances for the Falcons to date at his young age, and has been tipped by Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington to become a “future first-team international.”

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“I’m delighted to be joining Gloucester Rugby next season,” Redshaw said after signing. “The style of rugby that Gloucester are playing really suits my game, and I’m excited to be part of it.

“George has a really clear vision for the future, and I think it’s the perfect environment for me to continue my development. I’m looking forward to getting started in the summer.”

Skivington added: “Ben is a great signing for us; he is one of the most highly rated young players in the country and widely regarded as a future first-team international.

“He’s got all the physical attributes you want from a back-three player, and I’m sure he’ll fit perfectly into the game model that we are trying to play.”

The move had been confirmed by Newcastle director of rugby Steve Diamond in a press conference, where he said that the Cherry and Whites will join a list of clubs that need to pay the Falcons compensation. 

“We now have Ben Redshaw going to Gloucester, and they will have to pay the compensation. They all try and wriggle around it, and that is why we need everyone to sit down and say this is right or this is not right, or else it will be a free-for-all.”