Gloucester sign dual qualifed 6'5, 105kg centre Max Llewellyn

In a major coup for the Gallagher Premiership side, Gloucester have confirmed the signing of dual-qualified Cardiff centre Max Llewellyn.

The exit of the hulking centre is a significant blow for both Cardiff and Welsh rugby, suggesting the new regional contract squeeze has meant another exciting prospect has been lost from the Welsh game.

Llewellyn, who qualifies to play for both Wales and England, has made 38 appearances for Cardiff, scoring five tries.

At 6’5 and 105kg, Llewellyn brings a significant physical presence into Gloucester’s midfield and will go some way to filling any potential void left by the rumoured exit of Billy Twelvetrees.

“Max is a young player that has a huge amount of potential and we’re excited about him seeing him in Cherry & White,” said Gloucester Rugby Head Coach, George Skivington. “He’s been really impressive for Cardiff over the last couple of seasons and we know he’s relishing the prospect of challenging himself in the Gallagher Premiership.

“He’s obviously a big lad and he enjoys that physical side of the game but that’s not the only string to his bow.

“Max will have some experienced Premiership backs to learn from here in addition to the coaching staff, so he’s in a great place to develop, and we’re looking forward to seeing him in Cherry & White.”

The powerfully built 24-year-old also spent time with Cardiff RFC in the Welsh Premiership and represented Wales U20s 14 times between 2018 and 2019.

“I’m really excited to be coming to Gloucester” commented Llewellyn. “It’s always been an ambition of mine to play in the Premiership and to do that for a club like Gloucester, it’s something I’m really looking forward to.

“I was fortunate enough to play at Kingsholm in pre-season and the atmosphere there was amazing; it’s somewhere you look forward to playing every week.”

Max comes from impressive rugby stock, his father, Gareth Llewellyn, having won 92 caps for Wales.