Gloucester flanker Lewis Ludlow has described losing the club captaincy last August as "brutal", admitting he would "take it back tomorrow" if offered the role again. Ludlow, 31, captained the Cherry and Whites from 2020 to 2025, making him the longest-serving skipper in the club's history, before being replaced by Tomos Williams for the 2025-26 season. The change matters as it marks the end of an era for a player who has spent his entire career at Gloucester and is now entering his testimonial season.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Ludlow said he had anticipated the change but was surprised by its timing during pre-season, and focused instead on supporting Williams, who has since left for Saracens. Ludlow also reflected on his brief England career, having captained his country on debut in 2021 against the USA and Canada under Eddie Jones — his only two international caps, ending after a red card and ban against Canada. Now preparing for his 14th season at Gloucester, he is targeting Nick Wood's all-time club appearance record of 277, having recovered from hand and wrist surgery undergone in April.