Denton signs for Gloucester

Editor

Gloucester have confirmed that experienced second-row Tom Denton will join them ahead of next season, arriving from PRO12 side Leinster.

28-year-old Denton joins the Cherry and Whites from the three-time Heineken Cup winners after four seasons in Dublin, after joining from Leeds Carnegie as they were then known.

The imposing 6’6″ lock will join up with his new team-mates ahead of the new campaign and provide great experience from his time at one of Europe’s finest clubs.

Denton made his professional debut for Yorkshire in the 2008 season as a 20-year-old, representing the Yorkshire side in the Premiership and the Championship, going on to make 60 appearances during his time at Headingley.

So far this season, Denton has made 10 appearances for Leinster, including appearing as a replacement in three European Rugby Champions Cup pool stage games.

David Humphreys spoke to the club website regarding Denton’s signing.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Tom into our environment, and his arrival only makes us stronger as a unit. During his time in the Aviva Premiership with Leeds, he proved to be a quality operator, and he has matured and improved whilst with Leinster,” he said.

“I know first hand from my time with Ulster what a quality opponent he is and he will be a welcome addition to our second row ranks.”

Meanwhile, Denton admitted that he’s looking forward to returning to the Aviva Premiership but that there is some unfinished business to take care of with Leinster first.

“I’m very excited about the prospect of returning to England and having another crack at the Premiership with a club like Gloucester, one with a great history but a bright future as well,” he said.

“I feel that my game has developed a lot while with Leinster and I know that I’ll need to perform well as Gloucester already have a number of quality second rows.

“However, we’ve got a big semi-final against Ulster to prepare for and my focus is completely on that as I’d love to bring my time at Leinster to a close having helped to secure the PRO12 title.”