Isaac Kayada was given the chance to put on the Cherry and White jersey for the first time during the west-country derby against Bath last weekend.
Kayada does not have a contract with Gloucester but was offered the spot on the team in the friendly match as a guest player.
The prop said: “It was an honour to play my first game for a Premiership team. I’m really hoping it will turn into something in the future.
“To play with players like Tuisue and and Charlie Atkinson. It was unreal and a fantastic learning opportunity for me.”
Kayada’s path to Premiership Rugby may have been different if former club, Wasps, didn’t go into administration. The 21-year-old was part of the Wasps Academy setup in the 2021/2022 season.
Following the collapse of the Coventry-based team, he then signed with National League One club Darlington Mowden Park. Kayada joined DMP mid way through the 2023/24 season, making his 1st XV debut against Plymouth in March.
His rugby journey began, in Rugby. Kayada attended Rugby school during his A-Level studies, where he played for the 1XV countless times. Before that, he played for local team, Old Laurentian’s.
“Playing for Rugby school taught me so much. It made me the player I am today. BUCS rugby has helped a lot too. Playing with a university team is a whole different story, and the super rugby league is taken really seriously, so I feel prepared for Premiership rugby.”
Despite being born in Warwickshire, he is now a student at Durham University, which is the reason the Maths and Economics student was spotted and snatched up by a Northern National League One club.
Kayada plays for the University’s first team, who compete in the highest level of uni sport, BUCS super rugby. The BUCS league is known for producing some impressive premiership and international players. As are private schools, therefore, Kayada had built up a desirable rugby CV for Gloucester to approve of.
He came off the bench at The Rec to replace Will Lamprell, who was also a guest player for the Cherry and Whites.
“The atmosphere at the Rec was nothing like I have ever experienced before. It was a surreal feeling to run out there for the first time. I hope it won’t be the last.
“Gloucester is a fantastic club with an amazing fan-base. I’d love to have the chance to do it again but over at Kingsholm. Playing in front of the shed is definitely something i’d like to experience.”
The derby weekend match finished 59-14 to the hosts, Bath. But Gloucester will be in the spotlight again this evening as they face Leicester Tigers, in the Premiership Cup final. A tournament that Kayada will most likely be aiming to play in over the coming years.
