The low-down on Ludlow

Lewis is Gloucester’s Number 7 back rower and a legend amongst the faithful at Gloucester Rugby. He has played more than 250 competitive games for the club and is the longest serving captain and is ‘incredibly honoured’ to represent Gloucester.

“Born in Bedford I played his junior rugby at Ampthill RFC following in the footsteps of my Dad and Grandfather and I still retain close ties. My Gloucestershire journey began at Hartpury College when I joined the Gloucester Rugby Academy in the 2011/12 season at eh young age of 17Q!  My favourite Academy memory was getting to play a game on the Kingsholm pitch for the first time against Canada U20.

I then graduated into the senior academy in 2012/13 and then to the first team in 2013/14 making my Gloucester debut in a friendly against Japan and competitive debut in a fixture against Scarlets but suffered a knee injury which ruled me out of the 2014 Junior World Cup.

In November 2020 it was announced that I was the new club captain at Gloucester which I held until September 2025 before passing the reins to Tomos Williams.

In the summer of 2013, I represented England U18 on their tour of South Africa. I am also eligible for Wales qualifying through a grandfather.

Then October 2020 I was called up to a senior England training squad by head coach Eddie Jones and made my Test debut against the US at Twickenham, becoming the fifth player in history to captain England on a debut.

I proudly made my 250th appearance for the Cherry and Whites in November (?) in what is my 11th campaign. Proud to have been the Gloucester captain for five seasons, I recently signed a new contract to stay with the club into the 2026-27 season. 

Director of rugby George Skivington said Ludlow would go down as a “legend” of the club. “His professionalism, warrior-like mentality, and the passion he brings to the club set the standard for any player. On the field, Luds continues to deliver when it matters, and that’s ultimately why we’ve extended his contract ahead of the 2026-27 season. It is a real honour for Lewis to be awarded a testimonial year by Gloucester Rugby. We are sure he will receive the support and recognition he so richly deserves.”

The club took a chance on me when I was a 17-year-old kid at Hartpury – 250 games later, I still have the same desire to give back and make the fans proud as I did on my debut. It’s an exciting time off the field with changes to the academy structure and other developments, and I still feel at the top of my game, so re-signing was an easy decision.

Married to Beth, with two children, I spend most of my free time at horse riding events with my daughter or driving tractors with my son. I check in with Ed Slater on a weekly basis and continues raising awareness and vital funds for MND.”

Footnote: Recently Luds also interviewed with the Cotswold Gentleman. You can read the conversation in full here: https://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/twenty-questions-lewis-ludlow