Cheltenham College are celebrating after two of their students have signed professional contracts with Gloucester Rugby only a few years after joining the academy system.

Jack Clement, already an England Under-19 international, and Charles Tchen have both been offered professional contracts at the club.

Their success follows similar achievements last year by winger Tom Stanton and no. 8 Cameron Terry.

Clement, who has been offered a long-term contract, initially joined the College as a cricketer and discovered a passion for rugby during 4th form.

He played an integral part in the Cheltenham College XV team that went unbeaten in 2018 and captained the side this year.

With some outstanding performances for school and club, Clement represented England at under-18 and under-19 level.

Tchen who also played for Cheltenham College XV in 2018, has been in formidable form this season on the wing for the College and his great potential, particularly highlighted in the sevens arena, has seen him rewarded with a short term professional contract.

Clement, who trialled with Gloucester Academy as an under-17 and Tchen, who only joined the academy last October, have shown tremendous progress in the programme.

Supported by the team at Cheltenham College their rate of development has been so spectacular that they will now be locking horns with the likes of Danny Cipriani and Billy Twelvetrees in pre-season.

“It’s amazing to be in this position,” said Tchen. “I have really enjoyed developing my game at College and to have a contract to continue playing professionally is a dream.”

Clement added: “I have had a fantastic time at College, representing my country and now signing a professional contract.

“Thank you to Olly Morgan and Nick Runciman for coaching and inspiring us over the past few years. Not only do they train and advise us on how to keep a balance between our work and sport but they are also committed to us developing as players and as people.”

Cheltenham College director of rugby Olly Morgan said: ”I am immensely proud. Yet more pupils achieving professional contracts once again demonstrates the strength of our programme and also the long-standing link with Gloucester Rugby.
“Although Jack and Charles have not been all the way through the pathway, it highlights their commitment and work ethic to achieve a goal in such a short period of time.

“It is fantastic to have these pupils join Tom Stanton, Cameron Terry, Will Goodrick-Clarke and Ollie Thorley as current professionals.”

Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley has set the bar high when it comes to levels of dedication and skill required to succeed at the highest level and Morgan added: “I have no doubt that these boys will match his levels of effort and hopefully we will see the outcomes in their results on the pitch over the coming years.”