Gloucester Rugby’s squad expenditure for the upcoming season has increased by more than £500,000, according to a senior club source, reflecting a period of significant investment and recruitment ahead of the campaign. The club has bolstered its ranks with several high-profile signings while also seeking contract renewals for key players.

Among the most notable additions are Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, both brought in from Ospreys. Together, their combined value is estimated to be between £650,000 and £700,000. Another important signing is Jean Kleyn, a lock with dual international experience for Ireland and South Africa, who joined from Munster. Although viewed as a “high-risk, high-reward” acquisition due to past injury concerns, Kleyn is expected to be a leading earner within the squad.

Also contributing to Gloucester’s wage bill is fly-half Ross Byrne, now in the second year of a three-year contract reportedly worth around £350,000 annually. Byrne’s first season at Kingsholm was hindered by limited playing time, with head coach George Skivington noting that Byrne “has to get more game time” to fulfil his potential. Byrne faces competition from Charlie Atkinson, whose strong performances have made it challenging for Byrne to secure starts. Atkinson has signed a contract extension effective from next July, with a salary just under £300,000.

Several other players are in line for contract discussions, including Arthur Clark, Seb Atkinson, Val Rapava-Ruskin, and Will Joseph, all of whom will be out of contract at the end of the current season. The club has also seen some departures, such as Matías Alemanno and Cam Jordan, while the return of scrum-half Dan Robson from Pau is viewed as a positive, especially in light of the lesser expenditure compared to that on former scrum-half Tomos Williams.

Gloucester has further strengthened its squad depth by adding Joe Joyce, a forward originally from Bristol and recently at Connacht. The recruitment strategy is being overseen by newly appointed general manager Rob Burgess, who arrives following a successful tenure as head of recruitment at Bath. Alongside consultant coach Chris Boyd and a fresh coaching team, the club aims to reshape its playing style and competitiveness.

The full Gloucester squad features a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents across the forward and back lines, including props Dian Bleuler and Jamal Ford-Robinson, hookers Seb Blake and Dewi Lake, and a back three anticipated to provide attacking threat with players like Junior Denny and Ollie Thorley. The club’s strategy appears focused on balancing investment in proven performers with the development of promising youth, aiming to build a squad capable of challenging strongly in the Premiership this season.