Gloucester extension for back-row Freddie Clarke
Gloucester have announced that back-row Freddie Clarke is staying at the Cherry and Whites after putting pen to paper on a contract extension.
Clarke has become something of a fixture in the Gloucester first-team squad since making his debut in the 2016/17 season.
Capable of playing in the second-row as well as at number eight and flanker, Clarke initially made his senior breakthrough with London Scottish in the Championship having graduated from Bath University.
His form with the Exiles caught the eye and he moved to Kingsholm ahead of the 2016/17 season, making his first senior appearance as a replacement in the Challenge Cup against Benetton in October 2016.
He has since gone on to make 79 senior appearances and has developed into an integral part of the Gloucester squad, according to director of rugby David Humphreys.
“Freddie has very much made the most of his opportunity here at Gloucester Rugby. He has worked really hard to develop all aspects of his game, and this continued development has been reflected in his regular selection in Premiership and in European fixtures,” he said.
“Back-row has become a really competitive position at Gloucester Rugby, with real strength in depth, but Freddie’s skillset and work rate complement the style of play we are continuing to develop under Johan and the coaching team.
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“His ability to play a number of positions in the pack is another positive and Freddie will continue to play a key role in the playing squad, on and off the pitch, over the next few seasons.”
Clarke himself is delighted to be extending his career with Gloucester and helping the team to achieve further success.
“I’m very happy to be staying. Since I arrived back in 2016, I’ve loved every minute of my time here. Training and playing week in, week out with world-class players has helped me to improve so much as a player and I feel that I’m still getting better,” he said.
“But, while I’m pleased to be progressing as an individual, the most important thing is how I contribute to the overall squad effort. I genuinely feel that we’re going places as a group and I hope to play my part in helping Gloucester Rugby to achieve success in the not too distant future.”