WILL Tavaré has signed a new three-year contract with Gloucestershire, tying him to the club until the end of the 2017 season.

Bristolian Tavaré, 24, has enjoyed an outstanding debut season in the LV=County Championship, scoring 821 runs in his first 12 matches for Gloucestershire at an average of 45.61.

Following in the footsteps of his uncle, former Kent, Somerset and England batsman Chris Tavaré, he has already hit three centuries and three half-centuries in the Championship, with a top score of 139 against Hampshire at Bristol.

He is a product of Bristol club cricket and signed a one-year contract with Gloucestershire after impressing in the second XI last season.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: “It is great news to have signed Will on a three-year contract.

“As a local cricketer he has come through a traditional route from school, club and university. He has demonstrated a real maturity in his first year and some great skill at the top of the order.”

Gloucestershire have also made new contract offers to captain Michael Klinger and star player Will Gidman, who is rumoured to be attracting interest from other counties, but neither of them have made a decision on their future yet.


Seam bowlers David Payne and Graeme McCarter and spinner Tom Shrewsbury are also out of contract at the end of the season.


Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Adam Rouse is expected to have his trial period extended with Gareth Roderick ruled out for another three weeks after suffering a setback on his recovery from a broken finger while playing for the seconds last week.