Joel Tomkins has already landed a new coaching role, just weeks after departing Catalans Dragons.
Tomkins was officially confirmed to have exited the Perpignan outfit one week ago, however the former Wigan Warriors forward was absent from the club’s games over Hull FC, Toulouse and St Helens, leaving assistant boss Ryan Sheridan in charge of first team duties.
The 39-year-old has now returned to the UK and has already landed his next role, as he makes the switch from league to union.
Tomkins has joined Premiership side Gloucester for 2026-27 season, as he returns to the 15-man code for the second time in his career.
From 2011 to 2014, the forward feautred for Saracens, and even made it to international level in the sport.
He will take up the role of defence coach at the club, as Gloucester exert a coaching shake-up with the club appointing George Skivington as head coach once again.
Tomkins cited personal reasons as his reasons for exiting Catalans, and with his new role he can now be closer to home.
Commenting on his move, the Wigan stalwart said: “I’m really excited to be joining Gloucester Rugby and returning to rugby union in a coaching role.
“After speaking with George [Skivington, head coach] and Rob [Burgess, general manager], it’s clear the club has strong ambitions for the future, and I’m looking forward to playing my part alongside an ambitious coaching team and a talented, exciting playing squad.
“Gloucester is a big club with a passionate supporter base, and I’m relishing the challenge of developing a defensive programme that complements the team’s strengths.”
📰 Gloucester Rugby is pleased to confirm two major additions to the Club’s coaching team ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the arrivals of Brett Deacon and Joel Tomkins.
🤝 @BiGDUG
All the info 👉 https://t.co/34pXRnSWbf pic.twitter.com/ET4CveGzDU
— Gloucester Rugby 🍒 (@gloucesterrugby) April 21, 2026
