Gloucester confirms the signing of England centre Joseph
Rugby NewsThursday, 20 February 2025 at 12:03
Gloucester Rugby has pulled off a major midfield coup, securing the signature of Will Joseph from Premiership rivals Harlequins.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The 22-year-old centre, who first broke through with London Irish, will join George Skivington’s squad ahead of next season – and he’s already eyeing up a big impact at Kingsholm.
From Exiles to Kingsholm – Joseph’s journey
Joseph’s rugby roots trace back to the London Irish academy, where he joined at just 13 years old. After making his senior debut in 2021, the dynamic centre became a key figure in their Premiership Rugby Cup run – though Irish fell short in the final against Worcester Warriors.
When Irish were suspended from the Premiership in 2023, Joseph made the switch to Harlequins, marking his debut with a try against Gloucester at Kingsholm – a ground he’ll now call home. He made 18 appearances for Quins but is ready for a fresh challenge in cherry and white.
On the international stage, Joseph’s talent has been impossible to ignore. After representing England U18s and U20s, he earned his first senior cap on the 2022 tour of Australia.
Skivington’s verdict: “He’s a real talent”
Gloucester’s Director of Rugby, George Skivington, couldn’t hide his excitement about his latest recruit.
“Will is a really talented young player, and his ability has been clear to see since he burst onto the scene with Irish,” said Skivington.
“We’re pleased to bring him to Kingsholm – he brings a slightly different skill set to the other guys we’ve got there, and we’re excited about how they’ll complement each other.”
Joseph’s message to Gloucester fans
Joseph is already counting down the days until he can run out in front of the famous Shed.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Gloucester Rugby in the summer,” he said.
“After speaking to George, I’m excited about the direction the Club is going in, and I feel like my game suits the way the coaches want to play.
“Kingsholm is a great place to play rugby – I can’t wait to have the Gloucester fans on my side!”
With youth, versatility, and international experience, Joseph’s arrival adds another weapon to Gloucester’s growing arsenal – and the Cherry and Whites faithful will be hoping he can deliver fireworks in midfield.
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UPDATED: Foreign-born players in the 2025 Six Nations
The following breakdown, based on data compiled by Americas Rugby News, examines the composition of various national teams, shedding light on the number of foreign-born players and how they qualify for their respective squads.
This international blend underlines rugby’s global nature, with some nations leaning on overseas-born talent more than others. Ahead of round two, we've broken down the squads – and Scotland lead the way by a mile when it comes to foreign-born players.
ENGLAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/41 (95.2%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 3/41 (7.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 3/41 (7.3%)
- Bevan Rodd (Scotland) - Parent
- Chandler Cunningham-South (England) - Born in England
- Harry Randall (England) - Born in England
- Marcus Smith (Philippines) - Parent
- Tom Roebuck (Scotland) - Parent
FRANCE
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/42 (92.8%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 6/42 (14.2%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 6/42 (14.2%)
- Dany Priso (Cameroon) - Residency (2008)
- Uini Atonio (New Zealand) - Residency (2014)
- Giorgi Beria (Georgia) - Residency (2002)
- Joshua Brennan (Ireland) - Residency (2005)
- Emmanuel Meafou (New Zealand) - Residency (2023)
- Émilien Gailleton (England) - Parent
IRELAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 30/36 (83.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/36 (25%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/36 (25%)
- Rob Herring (South Africa) - Grandparent
- Finlay Bealham (Australia) - Grandparent
- Cormac Izuchukwu (England) - Parent
- Joe McCarthy (USA) - Parent
- Jamison Ratu Gibson-Park (New Zealand) - Residency (2020)
- Bundee Aki (New Zealand) - Residency (2017)
- Ciarán Frawley (Australia) - Parent
- Mack Hansen (Australia) - Parent
- James Lowe (New Zealand) - Residency (2020)
ITALY
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 21/31 (67.7%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/31 (29.0%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/31 (29.0%)
- Dino Lamb-Cona (England) - Parent
- Sebastian Negri (Zimbabwe) - Parent
- Ross Vintcent (South Africa) - Grandparent
- Martin Page-Relo (France) - Grandparent
- Stephen Varney (Wales) - Parent
- Juan Ignacio Brex (Argentina) - Grandparent
- Montana Ioane (Australia) - Residency (2020)
- Ange Capuozzo (France) - Parent
- Matt Gallagher (England) - Parent
SCOTLAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 25/42 (58,1.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 18/43 (44.1%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 18/43 (44.1%)
- Pierre Schoeman (South Africa) - Residency (2021)
- Ewan Ashman (Canada) - Parent
- Dylan Richardson (South Africa) - Parent
- Will Hurd (England) - Grandparent
- Cameron Henderson (Hong Kong) - Parent
- Ewan Johnson (England) - Parent
- Marshall Sykes (England) - Grandparent
- Josh Bayliss (England) - Grandparent
- Jack Dempsey (Australia) - Grandparent
- Alexander Masibaka (Australia) - Parent
- Ben White (England) - Grandparent
- Fergus Burke (New Zealand) - Grandparent
- Tom Jordan (New Zealand) - Residency (2024)
- Rory Hutchinson (England) - Grandparent
- Sione Tuipulotu (Australia) - Grandparent
- Arron Reed (England) - Parent
- Kyle Rowe (England) - Cumulative Residency
- Duhan van der Merwe (South Africa) - Residency (2020)
WALES
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 26/34 (76.4%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 10/34 (29.4%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 10/34 (29.4%)
- WillGriff John (England) - Parent
- Henry Thomas (England) - Parent
- Will Rowlands (England) - Parent
- Freddie Thomas (England) - Grandparent
- Christ Tshiunza (DR Congo) - Residency (2015)
- James Botham (Wales) - Born in Wales
- Taulupe Faletau (Tonga) - Residency (2001)
- Ellis Bevan (England) - Parent
- Nick Tompkins (England) - Grandparent
- Blair Murray (New Zealand) - Parent
- Ellis Mee (England) - Parent
Predictor Game:
If you are not sure, simply hit 'Shuffle' and you will be given an automated prediction.
Once you are happy with the selection, hit 'Submit Prediction' to enter.
You will receive points if either/both of your predictions occur during the live match.
POINTS
5 Points: Total Tries Correct
15 Points: Time of 1st Try Correct
15 Points: Time of 1st Try Correct
A winner will be selected from those with the most points at the end of the game week
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