FORMER Gloucester front row man Alex Seville will join Lydney as player-coach for the 2026/2027 season, the club has announced.

Alex will join the coaching team of Nick Bartlett and Reece Boughton, writes Roger Pike.

They will be working alongside Paul Morris who become the Bledisloe club’s Director of Rugby at the end of the season.

Seville a 27-year-old prop at over 100kg and nearly six feet will certainly bolster the front row plus bring a wealth of experience to the forwards.

A former Hartpury College student, he played seven seasons for Gloucester, made seven appearances for England U18 and 15 for England U20’s.

He also had a loan spell at Northampton where he made two appearance for the Saints.

Seville said: “I am extremely excited to join such an historic club and hope to make a real impact for the team next season.

“I am looking forward to the new challenge and cannot wait to get started.”

Director of Rugby for 2026/7 Paul Morris said: “Absolutely delighted Alex has agreed to join us – he will add significant quality and a professional edge to the team both on and off the field.”

Chairman Duncan Sleeman added: “Great to add an experienced high-quality player to our young squad.

“Alex is sure to get the full support from everyone at the club.

“We welcome him to Regentsholme and wish him well next season.”

Lydney wrap up their 2025-26 Regional One South West campaign with a trip to Wiltshire to face Royal Wooton Bassett on Saturday (April 11).

The two sides are evenly matched with Lydney in sixth and Royal Wooton Bassett in seventh.

Lydney go into the game three points ahead with 61 points while Royal Wooton Bassett have 58.

Lydney’s record so far this season is 11 wins, two draws and eight defeats from their 21 games.

The home side have won one game fewer but have also had two draws this season.

When the two sides met at Regentsholme on a freezing day in January, it was Royal Wooton Basset who edged it with a converted try being the difference between the two sides.

The visitors ran out 18-25 winners although Lydney had chances that would have won the game.

The scorers that day were Pat Hanley and Reilly Scriven with a try apiece Jake Hanley who kicked two penalties and a conversion.

The trip to Wiltshire will be Sam Arnott’s last in charge.

Following last week’s win over Sidmouth, he said: “I would like to offer a huge thank you for the help and support I have received in my four years as Director of Rugby plus a special recognition to the supporters who have been exceptional both home and away.”

Saturday will also see the last game of the season at Regentsholme when Lydney Utd take on Old Cryptians in Counties Three Gloucestershire North.

Elsewhere in the division, Berry Hill welcome Spartans of Gloucester and Drybrook Utd take on Bredon Star.