France centre Gabrielle Vernier signs for Gloucester Hartpury

France international, Gabrielle Vernier, will join Gloucester Hartpury from Blagnac Rugby Féminin ahead of the 2026/27 season.

One of the most accomplished midfield players in the women’s game, Vernier arrives with a wealth of international experience and an impressive list of honours for both club and country.

Vernier first discovered rugby at the age of 10 with Rueil Athletic Club before progressing through the youth ranks at Racing Club Nanterre. She later moved to Lille to continue her studies, where her rugby career accelerated rapidly.

Making her first senior appearance for Lille MRCV in 2016, the centre enjoyed immediate success, helping the club secure the French Championship title in her first season. Just a year later, she earned her first cap for France, making her international debut against Spain in November 2017.

Since breaking into the national setup, Vernier has established herself as a mainstay of the French midfield. Renowned for her physicality, defensive work rate and attacking threat, she has become one of the most influential centres in international rugby.

Her performances have earned widespread recognition throughout her career. In 2021, she was named Women’s Six Nations Player of Round One before representing France at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. She featured throughout the tournament, including France’s opening victory against South Africa, and scored a crucial try in the semi-final against hosts and eventual champions, New Zealand, with France narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

The 28-year-old continued her rise in the international game over the following years, featuring in every match of both the 2022 and 2024 Women's Six Nations Championships. Her outstanding performances during the 2023 Championship saw her play every minute of France's campaign while scoring five tries, earning her the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.

Later that year, she was named in World Rugby's Women's Dream Team and shortlisted for the World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year award, cementing her reputation as one of the premier backs in the global game.

After representing France at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup and reaching the milestone of 60 international caps during the 2026 Women's Six Nations Championship, Vernier now brings her experience and leadership to Gloucester Hartpury ahead of the new season.

Head of Rugby, Dan Murphy, commented:

"Gabrielle is a world-class player who has consistently performed at the very highest level for both club and country."

"Her experience, physicality and game intelligence make her one of the standout centres in international rugby. 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."

"She's achieved a huge amount in her career already, from winning domestic titles to earning individual honours on the international stage. We're thrilled that she's chosen to join Gloucester Hartpury and can't wait to see her in our colours."

Vernier added:

“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.

“Gloucester Hartpury has built an outstanding reputation in the women’s game, and it’s clear why. The quality throughout the organisation and the culture that has been created make it a place where players can thrive and continue to improve.

“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. I’m looking forward to testing myself in a new environment and contributing to the Club’s future success.”