Gloucester Rugby legend Billy Twelvetrees has been awarded a testimonial year by the club after 10 years of sterling service.

The Cherry and White star will celebrate his remarkable achievements over the course of the next 12 months.

His testimonial year was launched last night with a bang at Phil Vickery's No 3 restaurant in Cheltenham where the great and the good of the Gloucester Rugby world gathered to celebrate.

Events will take place from January to early September 2022. A Gloucester Rugby testimonial game at Kingsholm in honour of Billy is also being planned for Saturday February 19th with more details to follow.

The testimonial committee are planning a range of events including a Ladies Night, Question of Sport quiz evening, a business Leadership Lunch with high-profile guest speakers, and a Golf Day plus other events in the pipeline. The year will conclude with a Celebration Dinner in September.

Commenting on his special year, Billy, aged 32, said: "To be awarded a testimonial at a club like Gloucester is truly overwhelming and exciting especially as I'm not a local lad. The list of Gloucester legends that I follow is amazing and something I never thought would happen.

"I am deeply honoured to be part of this special club for the last 10 years, which has been mine, and my family's 'holm', with some great memories. With the pandemic I wasn't sure we'd be playing rugby let alone me having a testimonial year."

Billy has chosen two benefitting charities that are part of his year: Pied Piper Appeal  and Winston's Wish.

He added: "Me and my wife have four children and Pied Piper and Winston's Wish are close to our hearts with what they do in the local community."

Asked by Punchline editor about his future plans, Billy said: "I just want to keep the journey going as long as I can. The drive is still there."

Phil Vickery, another Gloucester Rugby legend, said: "It's a fantastic honour and something that can sometimes be a little uncomfortable because you've got to go out asking lots of favours from people. When Billy's committee approached us and asked if we could help with the launch we said it's the least we can do.

"BIlly has represented Gloucester Rugby so brilliantly for so many years but he's such a good guy with a wonderful family and is someone you want to be associated with. What he's done, the way he behaves, the way he talks, it's been a wonderful advert for Gloucester Rugby and we should celebrate that. With rugby coming together celebrating great people with great charities there is not much better than that."

Twelvetrees joined the Cherry and Whites from Leicester Tigers in 2012 and since then has been a regular in the match-day 23, notching up 235 appearances for the club so far. Soon after joining the club, he earned a call up to England's Elite Player Squad for the 2013 Six Nations, making his debut against Scotland at Twickenham.

After his fine first season with Gloucester, he continued his international success in his selection for the England tour of Argentina. He scored a try in the first test before being called up to the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad.

Billy was named club captain of the Cherry and Whites ahead of the 2014-15 season and continued the role the following season.

Last season was another fine year for Twelvetrees, whose versatility has been vital for Gloucester Rugby. He scored 104 points in 19 appearances and Twelvetrees' highlight will no doubt be when he kicked the winning penalty with the clock in red against London Irish in May 2021. A true night to remember at Kingsholm with the fans back in attendance after more than 12 months behind closed doors.

Russell Marchant, testimonial committee chair, said: "We are so pleased for Billy to receive this year from his club after 10 years of commitment and hard service. Richly deserved and with rugby returning in force it will be a time to celebrate indeed.

"The testimonial committee is planning a range of differing events for all rugby fans and more details will be revealed next month as planning progresses. We hope the Gloucestershire business and rugby community get behind Billy's year and support him, as a true Kingsholm favourite.

Gloucester Rugby chief operating officer Alex Brown said: "It is great to honour Billy with his testimonial year. He has given a huge amount to this club, and it is fantastic that he is getting the recognition he deserves.

"The club is looking forward to supporting him during this year and hosting many of the events. We are thoroughly looking forward to the testimonial fixture next year and anticipate it willbe a fantastic day for all of our community."

George Skivington, head coach at Gloucester Rugby added: "Billy is a great player to have in the squad. He brings a wealth of experience to the team and is a fantastic voice both in training and on the pitch. He continues to be a consummate professional, which I'm sure he has been since he arrived, and thoroughly deserves his testimonial year."

Also at the launch was Adam Henson, TV presenter and owner of the Cotswold Farm Park. He told Punchline: "I've known Billy for a number of years because he comes to the Cotswold Farm Park with his wife and kids and I meet him there occasionally.

"I'm a big Gloucester Rugby fan, have been all my life and I love watching Billy. He's a fantastic player and is now one of the senior players at Gloucester and what a great season they're having. He very kindly invited me along this evening. I'm really pleased to be involved, just on the periphery, and to get to know and meet some of the players."

Billy's two chosen charities are:

The Pied Piper Appeal:  the leading children's charity in the county, raising funds for sick and disabled children in hospital, the 12 special needs schools, Wish holidays for children and families with life limiting illness and Gloucestershire paediatric mental health.

Winston's Wish:  A charity supporting children, young people, and their families after the death of someone close to them. The charity offers a wide range of practical support and guidance via a Freephone Helpline, online support, crisis messenger text service, individual and group support, publications, and training.

Stay up to date with all things for Billy's testimonial at www.twelvetreestestimonial.co.uk 

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