Guinness Premiership : Watkins completes Gloucester switch

Watkins completes Gloucester switch

12 May 2008, 3:45 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Matthew J. Watkins, one of the most talented game-breakers in the Magners League, has agreed a two-year deal with Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester.

The Llanelli midfield star will switch to Kingsholm in the summer and has become the latest international to join Dean Ryan's squad following the announcement of Bath centre Olly Barkley's recruitment.

Watkins, 29, has been capped by Wales 18 times, and has scored 33 tries in 123 appearances since joining the Scarlets in 2002.

Gloucester's head coach Dean Ryan said of the signing: "Matthew has a proven pedigree as a top-class outside centre and he will bring experience, big-game expertise and first-class attitude to our squad.

"We believe his addition to the squad will greatly enhance our options and build further on a group that is progressing really well.

"At Gloucester we are promoting an environment where players have to fight for their places and Matthew's addition emphasises that. I am really pleased he has decided to join us because he was in demand by a number of clubs and for him to choose Gloucester affirms the direction in which we are heading."

Watkins, who is leaving Llanelli midway though a three-year deal, said: "I would like to thank everyone at Llanelli for their help and support during my time at Stradey Park. They are a fantastic club and I wish them every success in the future.

"When the opportunity arose for me to meet with Dean Ryan and look at the set-up in place at Gloucester and their outstanding training facilities at Hartpury College, I knew it was simply too good to refuse.

"When you talk of massive clubs in England and Europe, Gloucester are right up there and I am very fortunate that I now have the opportunity to test myself with them.

"Their ambition is to be challenging regularly for honours and that is why this move is of such importance to me. It is a fantastic opportunity to take my career in a new and fresh direction and I cannot wait to get started."