Polledri 'is back' after nearly two years on sidelines

Gloucester have re-signed Italian international Jake Polledri after the backrow spent nearly two years on the sidelines following a serious injury sustained playing for the Azzurri.

The 26-year-old has signed a new contract with the Cherry and Whites ahead of the start of the 2022-23 season.

Polledri has won 19 caps for Italy to date, but hasn't played any rugby since late 2020, when he suffered what was described at the time as “a significant knee ligament injury” against Scotland in the November Tests that year.

The powerful backrower "has worked tirelessly" with the Gloucester medical team to get back to full fitness following his knee injury, a statement from the club reads.

The news is a great boost for George Skivington and his team, and it's sure to please Gloucester supporters who have been itching to see Jake back on the Kingsholm field.

COO Alex Brown described Polledri as world-class: “Jake is a truly world-class player and we are so glad that we have him back and fit at Gloucester Rugby ahead of next season.

“He has worked incredibly hard to recover from a career-threatening injury and we’re all looking forward to seeing him at his best again when the season starts in September.”

Polledri suffered a devastating family tragedy in March this year when his younger brother, Sam Polledri, passed away suddenly at the age of just 24.