Gloucester have snapped up one of the most talked‑about teenagers in English rugby, handing towering lock Jonno Balding his first professional contract after a breakout season with the U18s.
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Who is Jonno Balding?
Age18Height6 ft 9 in (206 cm)PositionLockSchoolRadley College, OxonEngland honoursU18 capsFamily tiesNephew of award‑winning broadcaster Clare Balding; son of leading race‑horse trainer Andrew Balding; grandson of Bath great Ian Balding
The inside line
Pathway to Kingsholm: Joined the Cherry & Whites’ academy in December 2023 and became a mainstay of the U18 side.
International pedigree: Starred for England U18s last term, drawing early whispers of “future Test captain” from age‑grade coaches.
Rugby genes: Grandad Ian turned out 92 times for Bath before training racehorses for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
📢 Gloucester Rugby is pleased to announce the signing of ten players from last season’s U18s squad to the Academy and Sub-Academy ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Freddie Ogden Metherell (Second row)
Jonno Balding (Second row)
Kealan Freeman-Price (Hooker)
Dan O’Reilly (Second row… pic.twitter.com/hQiMolhhw2
— Gloucester Rugby 🍒 (@gloucesterrugby) June 18, 2025
What they said
George Skivington (Director of Rugby)
“I’ve watched Jonno closely and he’s a massive talent—literally and figuratively. At 6 ft 9 in he’s an athletic line‑out option, but the best bit is how coachable he is. Developing home‑grown players is vital for us; Jonno can go right to the top.”
Jonno Balding
“Signing at Kingsholm is a dream. I know this environment will push me to become the best player I can be. I can’t wait to get started.”
𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗣 🏴
Gloucester Rugby Academy’s Jonno Balding has been called up to the @EnglandRugby U18s squad for their trip to South Africa next month.
Good luck, Jonno! 🍒 pic.twitter.com/5zjwQTvEjD
— Gloucester Rugby 🍒 (@gloucesterrugby) July 25, 2024
RUCK verdict
Gloucester love a monstrous lock and Balding ticks every box: size, set‑piece nous, and a ridiculous ceiling for growth. Add in that winning Balding DNA—plus an influential aunt in sports‑broadcast royalty—and Kingsholm may have just secured England’s next big thing.
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5. Tomás Albornoz (Argentina)
Albornoz has emerged as one of the most exciting new playmakers in world rugby. His ability to play flat on the gain line and stretch defences makes him a constant threat, while his balance of running, passing, and tactical kicking sets him apart as Argentina’s future in the No.10 jersey.
He proved his class in the Rugby Championship with a stunning all-round performance against South Africa, showcasing both his vision in attack and his work rate in defence. With his rapid rise in form, he’s already being tipped as one of Europe’s most dangerous playmakers at Benetton.
Quirky Fact: Albornoz originally came through the ranks as a scrum-half before converting to fly-half — which explains his sharp distribution and lightning-quick support play.
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