Gloucester captain Twelvetrees celebrates whirlwind week

Having been confirmed as continuing as club captain, he became a father for the first time, penned a contract extension at Kingsholm and then got the new Aviva Premiership season off to a record-breaking start.

The 26-year-old, from Wisborough Green, lined up at fly-half to score 29 points in the Cherry and Whites 39-27 win over Newcastle Falcons on Friday and broke a 16-year Gloucester record in the process.

The ex-Weald School pupil topped Simon Mannix’s 28-point haul from 1999 to become the highest-ever Gloucester scorer in an Aviva Premiership match.

Hours earlier on the eve of his fourth season at the club, the former Pulborough and Horsham colt gave them another boost by signing a new contract and committing his future, having been named captain again.

It is quite a response from the former Leicester Tigers centre, who has 21 caps for England, after missing out on selection for the World Cup squad as Stuart Lancaster’s side crashed out at the group stages.

Twelvetrees said: “It’s been incredible and I couldn’t be happier. I love being a Gloucester Rugby player, was honoured to lead the team last year and genuinely humbled to be asked to do so again.

“Now the new contract and the new arrival really are the icing on the cake. Gloucester is very much my club and very much our home.

“Knowing that this is where my future lies is a huge bonus, and I’m really looking forward to the new season and helping us to realise our undoubted potential.”

Twelvetrees has made 71 appearances for Gloucester and skippered the Cherry and Whites last season for the first time and lifted the European Rugby Challenge Cup following victory over Edinburgh Rugby at the Stoop in May.

Gloucester director of Rugby David Humphreys added: “He knows what is required to be successful at club level and, by signing a contract at this early stage of the season, has shown his commitment to deliver that success in Gloucester colours.

“Billy’s leadership, his durability and ability to play across a number of positions in the back line have made him a huge asset to Gloucester over the last three years and having watched him work very hard throughout pre season, I have no doubt he will soon be back pushing for further international honours.”

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