Charlie Atkinson bids fond farewell to Leicester Tigers and joins Gloucester - 'Treated me like family'

Charlie Atkinson has been immediately released from his Leicester Tigers contract, and joined Gallagher Premiership rivals Gloucester.

The fly-half has featured 24 times for the Tigers after arriving in the East Midlands, following the collapse of Wasps in 2022.

“After Wasps, and everything that happened, Leicester and this group of lads took me in and treated me like family, so I’ll always have fond memories of the club," Atkinson told the Leicester website.

“I want to thank the Tigers fans for all their support and wish the lads all the best for the rest of the season.”

The 22-year-old has represented England up to under-20 level in a fledgling career, and is looking forward to the next chapter of his career at Kingsholm.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to join a good group of players and staff and I’m excited to make my mark," he added in quotes published on the Gloucester website.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in Leicester over the last year, but Kingsholm is a place I’ve always relished playing at because the fans make an incredible atmosphere, so it’ll be nice having them on my side now!”

“I can’t wait to get out there in a Cherry & White jersey.”

Gloucester's director of rugby George Skivington spoke about the coup of bringing Atkinson to the side, and how he can complement their existing options.

“We’re really pleased to secure Charlie’s services," he revealed.

"He’s a really talented young player and will add to the depth and quality we already have here at the club in the number 10 shirt.

“He’s a player that we have admired since his time at Wasps and we think he will be a good fit for us.

“I know he’s really keen to get started with us, so we’ll integrate him into our programme this week and I’m sure the supporters will see him run out in a Gloucester shirt before long.”

Atkinson joins a Gloucester side languishing ninth in the ten-team Gallagher Premiership table after narrowly losing 29-31 to Northampton Saints on Saturday.

They are back in action on December 30 with a trip to Harlequins, who were beaten 25-17 by Bath last time out.

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