James Hayes joins Gloucestershire on a permanent deal

Seam bowler James Hayes has agreed to sign for Gloucestershire on a permanent basis, bringing his five-year stay at Nottinghamshire to an end. The 25-year-old, born on June 27, 2001, moved to Gloucestershire on a loan deal from July 1, 2026, to cover the remainder of the Vitality Blast group stage. His impressive performances during that temporary spell have now led to a permanent arrangement with the county.

Hayes has signed a two-year contract with Gloucestershire following his successful loan period. The move represents a significant step in his career as he seeks regular opportunities at county level. His loan spell at Gloucestershire provided the platform to demonstrate his capabilities in the T20 format, and the permanent deal now offers him the chance to establish himself as a key part of the county’s bowling attack.

“I’m so grateful to Nottinghamshire for giving me my opportunity by signing me as a 19-year-old. I’ve loved my time here and it will always hold a special place in my heart,” Hayes told Gloucestershire Live.

“Leaving Trent Bridge was a really tough decision to make but I am excited for the next chapter of my career with Gloucestershire,” he added.

Hayes’s loan spell and permanent move

During his time on loan at Gloucestershire, Hayes made his senior T20 debut for the county and took six wickets across four Vitality Blast appearances. His contributions helped Gloucestershire reach the quarter-finals of the competition, with the county securing victories against Worcestershire away and Surrey at home during the group stage. These performances demonstrated his readiness for regular cricket at the highest county level.

Experience across multiple formats

At Nottinghamshire, Hayes had accumulated 13 white-ball wickets in the Metro Bank One Day Cup and secured his maiden First-Class wicket during a previous loan spell at Sussex in 2025. He made his First-Class appearance for Nottinghamshire in May as an injury substitute, marking an important milestone in his career development. The combination of formats in which he has played has prepared him well for the demands of county cricket.

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In his first-class career, Hayes has played five games, picking up two wickets. In List A, he has bagged 25 scalps from 17 games. Meanwhile, in the shortest format, he has six wickets from four matches.