Draft:Jack Hopson

Jack William Hopson (born 07 February 2006 in Gloucester) is an English rugby union player.

Biography

Hopson grew up Gloucester in his younger years, before moving to Cheltenham, and started playing rugby just before going to senior school, taking part in the sport from the age of eleven.

He previously played football at a high level and was a member of the West Bromwich Albion FC development centre from age 6, having also spent time at the main West Bromwich Albion Academy.

He first played rugby for Longlevens RFC, under the tutelage of Lee Fortey and Chris Fortey - the former Gloucester and Worcester RFC premiership players. Jack's Great Great Grandfather, Fred Westbury, Great Grandfather, Joe Hopson, Grandfather, Roy Hopson and Great Uncle, Terry Hopson all played for Gloucester RFC. Terry also played for Bath RFC and Terry and Joe also played for Gloucestershire and the Western Counties - including against the All Blacks, Australia and South Africa. Jack's father, Guy, was a player for Stroud RFC.

Jack began his education at Highnam Primary School, Gloucester. He then attended St Peter's High School in Gloucester where Stuart Crabb was the sports master who invested a lot of time and effort in Jack's rugby.

In sixth form, Jack moved to Dean Close School in Cheltenham where he was coached by former Gloucester player, Andrew Stanley. There he was playing with teammates and good friends who also played at Gloucester Academy with Jack, Olly Alport and Billy Benson.

After finishing school in the summer of 2024, Jack decided to postpone his studies at University, despite having various offers, to try his hand at professional rugby.

Career

Jack began his time with Gloucester Rugby at age 14 in the DPP set up, and played with the club all the way through to under 18's in the Premiership academy league. Whilst Peter Walton was at he club, Jack often played a year up and flourished amongst better players and competition.

Jack began his rugby career playing at either inside centre or outside half, but more latterly preferred to play at outside centre.

Recent career

Towards the end of his time at School and following the end of the academy league season, Jack played for Cinderford RFC at a senior level under the guidance of director of rugby, Paul Morris.

Jack is looking to progress his career in France, where he has a keen interest in the style of rugby they play - combining flair and physicality - two things he has in abundance.

Jack signed a two year deal with Valence Romans Drome Rugby in June 2024 and will play for the club the Espoirs team to begin with, hoping to advance to the full Pro D2 team.