Gloucester have signed Newcastle Falcons full-back Ben Redshaw forward of subsequent season.
The 20-year-old will assist fill the void within the again three at Kingsholm left by Santi Carreras and rugby league’s newest recruit, Christian Wade, who will be part of Tremendous League champions Wigan Warriors on the finish of the season.
Wade’s rugby union departure was only announced a matter of days ago, and Gloucester have acted rapidly by agreeing the England U20 worldwide’s switch.
Redshaw has made 21 appearances for the Falcons up to now at his younger age, and has been tipped by Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington to develop into a “future first-team worldwide.”
“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, they usually should pay the compensation. All of them attempt to wriggle round it, and that’s the reason we want everybody to take a seat down and say that is proper or this isn’t proper, or else it is going to be a free-for-all.”
