Gloucester Rugby is delighted to announce two new exciting young prospects have agreed deals to link up with our Senior Academy, after finishing their studies with Cheltenham College.

Louis Hillman Cooper, who plies his trade in the centre, was part of the Cheltenham XV in 2018 that were nominated Rugby School of the year as well as captaining the XV in his last year of school. In Cherry & White colours, he also reached the Academy final in 2019 and was named co-captain this year, which led to representing England U18s.

Hooker, Seb Blake, links up with the Senior Academy, having been a stand-out performer during age-grade rugby, also playing a part in the highly regarded Cheltenham XV side. Blake has been a member of the junior academy, taking a break to recover from injury as an U15, before showing true resilience and character to join back up with the academy as an U16 after impressive performances for his school.

Peter Walton, Head of Academy, is naturally delighted to welcome the duo to the Academy.

“It has been a great honour to offer both Louis and Seb their first contracts with Gloucester Rugby.

“Louis demonstrated that whilst playing for Gloucester and England U18s that he had lots of qualities to become a top Gloucester Rugby player. Seeing his outside breaks which brings others into the game and his strong defence are the qualities that excites me. I can see him progressing well through the Senior Academy very quickly having already played Premiership Shield.

“Seb has been a standout for me since I joined Gloucester Rugby, the way he carries the ball, used his feet and off load skills to beat defenders is what we want from a modern-day hooker. Seb has good qualities in his competitiveness to want to win, he knows it is going to take time to come through, but I believe he has the right attitude and desire to want to make to the top, and fulfil his dream of running out in front of the Shed.”

Alex Guest, Junior Academy Manager, added:

“It is fantastic to see these two being offered Senior Academy contracts. Both players joining the pathway way back in the U14 Developing Player Programme. Having seen them come through the pathway since then, they have gone from strength to strength.

Naturally, every player goes through their ups and downs, but both have overcome these to become the excellent players they are. The support from their families and school has been outstanding.”

Cheltenham College duo sign on with Senior Academy

Related News