Former Gloucester Rugby player James 'Jango' Forrester returns to the Cherry and Whites as commercial sales director, 17 years after he played his last game for the club.
James, who made 144 appearances in the back row for Gloucester between 1999 and 2008, says his return in a commercial capacity is 'a huge honour to have the opportunity to give back to a club that has given me so much'.
He joins the club's board in a role that will also see him maintain his commercial responsibilities for the Gloucester-Hartpury women's team — of which he's currently CEO — with all commercial rights for the Premiership Women's Rugby champions transfering to Gloucester Rugby as part of the move.
After retiring from a professional rugby career in which he also won two England caps, James moved to Singapore, where he set up a successful health and wellbeing business, UFIT, growing to 10 locations with over 125 staff.
James successfully exited the business and moved back to the UK in 2018, which saw him enter the commercial space within rugby — leading Gloucester-Hartpury’s business operations at Hartpury College and Hartpury University.
He was then appointed CEO of the Premiership Women's Rugby champions in 2023 and has gone on to generate 'significant' commercial investment for the team, as well as being 'integral' to its 'groundbreaking' new deal with Gloucester Rugby, the club says.
Gloucester Rugby CEO Alex Brown said: 'I’ve known James for a long time, both during our respective playing careers and after; and I can absolutely vouch for his commercial credentials and undoubtedly, his passion for this club.
'I’m thrilled that he’s now joining the Gloucester Rugby director group and board; and that all commercial opportunities for both teams will now merge, delivering further growth.'
James said: 'I’d like to thank Alex, the directors and board for this opportunity. It’s a huge honour to have the opportunity to give back to a club that has given me so much.
'I’m thrilled that my commercial responsibilities with the women’s team will transition over to Kingsholm. Playing a small role in the success of Gloucester-Hartpury has been a career highlight and look forward to supporting their continued achievements.'
