Gloucester Rugby sign Ben Loader

Outside back Ben Loader has joined Gloucester Rugby for the 2025/26 season.

Loader, from Reading, joined the London Irish academy at fifteen years old and made his professional debut against Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup on 14 October 2017.

Capable of playing wing and full back, he went on to make 75 appearances over six years in the Irish first team, before leaving in 2023. Later that year, he signed for the Stormers in South Africa, for whom he’s made 21 appearances to date.

Loader represented England at U18s and U20s level, finishing as a runner up in the 2018 U20s World Championship. In 2019, Loader was included in the squad for an uncapped fixture for an England XV against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Director of Rugby, George Skivington, is pleased to land Loader’s signature.

“Ben was another player at Irish that was thriving there when they ran into their difficulties," he said.

"He’s moved away to a new country and team and used it as an experience to learn and grow and that’s been impressive.

“He’s everything you want from a back three player, fast, powerful, agile and his ability to play wing and full-back will be really handy throughout a long season.

“We’re delighted to bring him to Kingsholm, and I’m sure the fans here will enjoy watching him in Cherry & White.”

Loader added: “I’m incredibly excited to join Gloucester Rugby next season. I’ve really enjoyed my stint playing with the Stormers in South Africa, but the opportunity to return to England next season with Gloucester was too good to turn down. 

“The Club’s ambitions match my aspirations for the future and I’m excited to work with George (Skivington) & James (Lightfoot Brown) again, who I know can help me develop my game even further.

“Kingsholm is one of the best places to play rugby in the country, and I’ll be glad to have those fans behind me when I get out there next season!”