FORWARDS Yann Thomas, and Tom Hicks have agreed new contracts with the club.

Thomas,24, has made 74 first team appearances and has impressed massively since joining the club's Academy from Bristol in 2008, his ability to play on both sides of the scrum make him a hugely valuable asset.

Thomas' signature ensures that Gloucester will boast an impressive group of props at the club next season with the likes of Paul Doran-Jones, Paddy McAllister and Nicky Thomas all already confirmed as joining the club this summer.

Meanwhile, Hicks,23, has made 10 first team appearances since arriving at Kingsholm from Northampton Saints last summer, as well as spending a short time on loan at Tasman Makos, Cinderford RFC and most recently Plymouth Albion.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys said: "Yann and Tom have shown to us their promise and willingness to learn and, as a coaching group, we have been very impressed with both.

"Yann is still a relatively young prop who is progressing under the tutelage of Trevor Woodman, as well as learning from the likes of John Afoa and Nick Wood. With the nature of the fixture calendar next year, we are striving for a strong squad with quality in every position.

"Further to that, Tom has spent time in the Championship and when he has been called upon has stepped up and delivered in a Gloucester shirt. We hope that he will continue to learn and develop in the first team environment.

"The new deals are reward for their attitude and application, and we are delighted that they have committed their futures to the club."