Val Rapava-Ruskin: Gloucester prop signs new deal

Val Rapava-Ruskin has spent much of this season out with a knee injury

Prop Val Rapava-Ruskin has signed a new contract to stay with Premiership side Gloucester.

The 31-year-old joined the Cherry and Whites in 2017 and has made more than 100 appearances for the club since.

He was voted Gloucester's player of the season by fans and team-mates at the end of last season.

"I feel like I'm progressing here, and I still feel like I have much more to give this team," he said.

The Georgian-born forward switched his allegiance to England and was part of the training squad before the World Cup.

He has however spent much of this season out with a knee injury that required surgery although Gloucester hope he will return after the Six Nations campaign.

"He's worked really hard to develop his game over the last couple of seasons in particular, so we're pleased to keep him here at Kingsholm," said Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington.

"Val and our medical staff are doing everything they can to get him back on the pitch, and I'm sure that when he's fully fit again, he'll pick up where he left off before his injury."