Gloucestershire sign James Hayes on permanent deal

Gloucestershire have announced the signing of fast bowler James Hayes from Nottinghamshire on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old joins on a permanent basis after two loan spells with the club during the 2026 season.

Hayes first arrived in Bristol in July, making his senior T20 debut and taking six wickets in four Vitality Blast appearances.

He played his part as Gloucestershire reached the quarter-finals, contributing to victories away to Worcestershire and at home to Surrey.

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A lot of potential

He returned in August for a second loan spell, linking back up with the squad for the remainder of the County Championship season.

On signing for Gloucestershire, Hayes said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Bristol over the two loan spells, and the fans and staff made it a brilliant place to be.

“Having family living close to Bristol made this an easy decision too, and with such a great environment here I’m excited to join permanently.

“I want to win games of cricket, and the club have made it really clear they want to do the same, so to be part of that and help bring success is something I’m looking forward to.”

Easy decision

Born in Sussex, Hayes developed his cricket in Taunton before being identified by former Nottinghamshire seamer Ben Phillips and moving to the East Midlands.

Earlier this summer he led the attack for the Notts Outlaws in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, taking 12 wickets as they reached the semi-finals.

The right-armer made his first-class debut while on loan at Sussex in 2025, against Worcestershire at Hove, marking the occasion with the wicket of New Zealand international Henry Nicholls.

On securing the services of Hayes, director of cricket Jon Lewis said: “James has come down, been around our group and fitted in really well.

“He’s a really exciting young bowler who’s got a lot of potential, and we feel we can really help him improve and develop.

“He looks ready to play first-team cricket, so we’re really excited about the possibility of helping James develop into a really good first-class cricketer.

“He’s had some really good support up at Nottinghamshire but hasn’t been able to break into the first team, and we’re hopeful he can come in and put some really strong first-team performances in for Gloucestershire.”

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