Gloucester-Hartpury sign France centre Vernier

Gloucester-Hartpury have signed France centre Gabrielle Vernier for the 2026-27 season from top tier French side Blagnac Rugby Feminin.

The 29-year-old has been capped 60 times by France since her debut in 2017 and in 2023 was named Six Nations Player of the Championship.

Vernier comes in with England centre Tatyana Heard departing to join Sale Sharks this summer.

"From my first conversations with the club, I was struck by the ambition of the programme and the high standards expected every day, which made the opportunity particularly exciting for me," Vernier said.

"The chance to compete in the PWR was another major attraction. It's one of the strongest competitions in the world and I feel this is the right stage of my career to embrace a new challenge."

Gloucester-Hartpury have not disclosed the length of Vernier's deal.

Vernier has represented France at several Six Nations and played in every one of their games during the 2021 and 2025 World Cups.

She was ruled out of the Six Nations this spring midway through the tournament with a shoulder injury.

Vernier began her career with Racing Club Nanterre and also represented Lille MRCV, winning the title with the team in 2016.

"Her experience, physicality and game intelligence make her one of the standout centres in international rugby," Gloucester-Hartpury head of rugby Dan Murphy said.

"Beyond her obvious qualities on the field, she's a driven competitor whose standards and professionalism will have a hugely positive influence throughout our environment."