British and Irish Lions star departs Gloucester as England international makes shock return from Top 14
Tomos Williams (left) is headed out of the Kingsholm exit door, with Dan Robson (right) coming in as his replacement
It’s a case of one-in-one-out for Gloucester, with club captain Tomos Williams headed for the exit door and Dan Robson returning to the club come next season.
The news follows a busy day of recruitment yesterday (Monday, December 15) at Kingsholm, with Wales internationals Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake both signing ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Tomos Williams to depart Gloucester
British and Irish Lions tourist Williams arrived at Gloucester in 2024, and has since become an integral part of the Cherry and Whites squad. In his maiden season at Kingsholm, Williams was named PREM Player of the Season, before later being named club captain at the start of the new season.
In a statement, Gloucester said: “Tomos Williams will depart Gloucester Rugby at the end of the 2025/26 season.
“The scrum-half, who arrived at Kingsholm in the summer of 2024, made an immediate impact in Cherry & White, winning the Gallagher Player of the Season Award in his inaugural Gallagher PREM season.
“After impressing at Kingsholm, Williams was offered a new deal to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, but has instead opted to pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
“The Welshman will depart with the best wishes of everyone at the club when the time comes, but in the meantime, is entirely dedicated to ending his time at Gloucester Rugby on a high.”
His confirmed exit comes amid reports he is set to join PREM rivals Saracens.
‘Gritty and abrasive’ Dewi Lake completes his switch to the Gallagher PREM
An ‘excited for the future’ Jac Morgan quits Ospreys for the Gallagher Prem
Dan Robson makes shock Gloucester return
With Williams heading out the exit door, Gloucester have acted quickly to bring in ex-England international Robson from Top 14 side Pau.
Robson, who previously made 80 appearances for the Cherry and Whites between 2010 and 2015, has been plying his trade across the Channel since 2022 following the collapse of Wasps, and has made 71 appearances for Pau since.
The scrum-half also won 14 Test caps for England between 2019 and 2021.
Commenting on his return to Gloucester, Robson said: “I owe a lot to Gloucester; it’s where it all began for me, and it has always remained a very special place. Playing for and against Gloucester are some of my fondest memories, and the chance to come full circle and return to a club I’ve held so dearly was an opportunity I jumped at.
“I feel that the squad that’s been built has so much potential over the next few years, and I think I can help bring some experience to the group as well.
“I’m really grateful to George and the coaches for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting back out there in front of The Shed again next season.”
Gloucester director of rugby, George Skivington, added: “Dan brings a wealth of experience back to Kingsholm, but he’s also still a fantastic player, and that’s a testament to his professionalism and dedication.
“Everybody knows the attacking qualities that he possesses, and that should fit into our system perfectly, but he’s also got the experience to be smart and manage the game when required too.
“We’re really invested in Caolan, Mikey, and a couple of other young players for the future, and Dan coming in will not only benefit us on the field for the short term but will also be a great person for those guys of the future to learn from.”
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