"End of an era" - Gloucester set to lose three 'fan favourites' in the summer

The club have confirmed that international back-row Polledri will leave the club at the end of the current season to join United Rugby Championship side Zebre. 

Polledri, 27, signed from Hartpury RFC in the summer of 2017, quickly becoming a first-team regular for the Cherry & Whites and earning his first full Italy cap against Scotland in Rome. He has since secured 20 caps for the Azzuri.  
 
The Gloucester Rugby academy graduate was shortlisted in 2018 for the RPA Young Player of the Year and Premiership Rugby’s Discovery of the Season. 

Suffering a major injury whilst on international duty in 2020, Polledri was forced to watch on from the side-line for over two years.  

After 820 days out, the back-row forward made a gradual return to the Gloucester Rugby squad, playing in the Premiership Rugby Cup and on loan at neighbours Hartpury.  

Gloucester Rugby Head Coach, George Skivington, wished Polledri all the best on his move. 

“Whilst we’re sad to see Jake go, we’re pleased for him, and the fresh challenge Italy will present. 

“To overcome the injury he sustained, and how he’s dealt with a lengthy recovery, tells you a lot about his character. He’s worked hard to get back on the field and we’re sure that his move to Zebre will see him continue to perform at his best. 

“Jake’s given a lot in Cherry & White and he leaves with our best wishes for the future.” 

According to journalist Jon Newcombe, Gloucester might have to bid farewell to Billy Twelvetrees as he could be signing up with the recently established team that is a result of the merger between Ospreys and Ealing.

This indicates that the amalgamation plans are quite progressed, with discussions of player recruitment happening as a united entity instead of two individual clubs.

In 2013, he debuted against Scotland in the Six Nations tournament and earned the title of man of the match in his second game versus Ireland.

Nonetheless, his stint in the international arena was curtailed following England's unsatisfactory showing at the Rugby World Cup in 2015, and he hasn't represented the national team since then.

Another player set to join the new club.

Reid joined Gloucester Rugby during the 2019/20 campaign and has impressed since leaving Ealing Trailfinders to put on the Cherry and White shirt.

The Australian flanker joined Ealing ahead of the 2018-19 season from Super Rugby’s Melbourne Rebels, where he played 41 times having made his debut against the Waratahs in March 2013.

Jordy played against the British and Irish Lions in 2013, and his best season with the Rebels came in 2016 when he played in 15 of their Super Rugby matches.

Reid has impressed since joining Gloucester Rugby and has become a regular starter who consistently performs for the club.

During the 2020/21 season Reid played 17 times for the Cherry and Whites and his physicality every time he puts the shirt on has made him a fan favourite.