Premiership: Gloucester’s Jake Polledri returns to fitness and signs new contract

Colin Newboult

Jake Polledri scoring a try for Italy during a Six Nations Test against England in Rome in 2022.

Gloucester have been handed a double boost after powerhouse back-row Jake Polledri agreed a new deal at the club and returned to full fitness.

The Italy international has not played since November 2020 when he suffered a horrific knee injury during their defeat to Scotland.

Before that major setback, Polledri had become one of the Cherry and Whites’ star players with his sheer strength and pace making him one of the Premiership’s best ball carriers.

International form

His form was ignored by England head coach Eddie Jones but not by the Azzurri, who he qualifies for via his grandmother.

Polledri made his Test debut in 2018 and has since earned 19 caps, starring in the 2019 World Cup along the way.

He continued that form in 2019/20 but disaster struck when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament, as well as a fractured leg, torn calf and ruptured a hamstring off the bone.

It all came from what appeared to be an innocuous slip, while a nerve issue with his foot delayed his comeback further.

The flanker, who can also play at number eight, has managed to get himself fit and Gloucester are delighted that he has put pen to paper on a new contract.

“Jake is a truly world class player and we are so glad that we have him back and fit at Gloucester Rugby ahead of next season,” chief operating officer Alex Brown said.

“He has worked incredibly hard to recover from a career-threatening injury and we’re all looking forward to seeing him at his best again when the season starts in September.”

Stadium name change for London Irish

Meanwhile, London Irish have announced that owners of their ground, Brentford FC, have agreed a 10-year rights partnership with Grey Technology Limited.

It means that the Brentford Community Stadium will now be named the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford chief executive Jon Varney said: “Securing a naming rights deal for the new stadium is something that we have been working on for some time.

“It was so important for us to find a like-minded organisation. We wanted a progressive, community-minded partner who want to join us on our journey over the next decade.”

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