George Skivington says he believes hooker Seb Blake is an England international of the future as the 23-year-old has committed his future to Gloucester Rugby by putting pen to paper on a contract extension with the Premiership club.

Born and raised in Cheltenham, Blake attended Cheltenham College, a school with close connections with the Cherry and Whites. Rising through the Gloucester Rugby Academy pathway, Blake is now one of several players his age that have established themselves in George Skivington’s first-team squad. Since making his debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup in the 2021/22 season, the hooker has gone on to impress in his 55 games to date so far for the club, in which he’s scored an impressive 15 tries.

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The 23-year-old was also called up to the England ‘A’ squad ahead of their fixture against Portugal last year, marking him as one to watch in the battle for the number two jersey at international level with incumbents like Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie in the back end of their playing careers.

Cherry and Whites director of rugby George Skivington said: “We’re really pleased that Seb has extended his contract at the club. Seb’s development into a regular starter for us is a testament to his own hard work, as well as coaches like Trevor Woodman, who have helped prepare him for Premiership rugby.

“He’s another one of the young guys here that we think can be a potential future international, so naturally, we’re delighted to keep him here at Kingsholm.”

With England touring Argentina this summer during the British and Irish Lions tour, a number of players on the fringes of the international squad look set to be handed an opportunity. England A are also playing Ireland A at Ashton Gate during the Six Nations.

Blake added: “It was an easy decision to stay here, especially the way we are playing now.

“There’s a good young group of us who have re-signed and I feel really lucky having grown up around here, it’s pretty cool to be staying at the club that bit longer. I feel that we are trending in the right direction and hopefully I can play my part in that and see where we can go.”