Billy Twelvetrees signs new Gloucester deal

England star Billy Twelvetrees has handed Gloucester a boost ahead of the Premiership season by signing a new contract.

The centre joined from Leicester Tigers in 2012 and has made 70 appearances for the club during his three seasons at the Kingsholm Stadium.

Gloucester, who did not disclose the length of the deal, made Twelvetrees captain last season and he skippered the team to European Rugby Challenge Cup glory in May.

Twelvetrees, who became a father for the first time earlier this week, reflected on a busy few days.

"It's been incredible and I couldn't be happier. I love being a Gloucester Rugby player and I was honoured to lead the team last year and genuinely humbled to be asked to do so again," he told the club's official website.

"Now the new contract and the new arrival really are the icing on the cake. Gloucester is very much my club and very much our home."

Twelvetrees has played 22 times for England, but failed to make the final 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Gloucester start their Premiership campaign at Newcastle Falcons on Friday.