You are in > manchester.com  > News > Hazell agrees Gloucester deal

Rugby Union

Hazell agrees Gloucester deal

31/08/2007

Long-serving Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell has agreed terms on a new three-year contract, which will keep him at Kingsholm until the end of the 2010/11 season.

Hazell, who has seven England caps to his name, is Gloucester's most experienced player as he prepares for his tenth season with the club.

The Gloucester-born 29-year-old made his debut in the 1997/98 season and has since made over 160 appearances in all competitions.

"I have been very proud and privileged to have had the opportunity to represent my home-town club for so long and I am thrilled to have this chance to be involved in one of the most exciting times in Gloucester's history," Hazell told the Gloucester website.

"As a youngster growing up in the city, all I wanted to do was wear a Gloucester shirt – there is nothing like playing in front of a full and packed Kingsholm – so to know I can still do that is fantastic for me and my family."

Hazell said he felt the club was "building something tremendously exciting" after last season's Guinness Premiership final appearance.

And he commended the new signings made by Gloucester coach Dean Ryan, which include Scotland star Chris Paterson, former Bradford Bulls rugby league winger Lesley Vainikolo and England hooker Andy Titterrell.

"There is competition for places, there is a real togetherness in the squad and the progression of the club is something we all want to be involved in," he added.

Ryan himself said he believes the club is "very fortunate" to have Hazell in the squad.

"He is a fantastically dedicated, determined servant of Gloucester and to retain his services is great for us," Ryan said.

"A number of times last season I said we were not the same side when the likes of Andy Hazell was not involved and I think that just underlines his value to us."