Seam bowler James Hayes has agreed to join Gloucestershire permanently, concluding his five-year tenure with Nottinghamshire. Born on June 27, 2001, the 25-year- old joined Gloucestershire on loan from July 1, 2026, to complete the remainder of the Vitality Blast group stage. His standout performances during that brief stint have resulted in a permanent contract with the county.
The seamer took 25 wickets in 17 Metro Bank One Day Cup matches for Notts Outlaws, including 12 wickets during their semi-final run this summer. Hayes also played his first-class match for Nottinghamshire in May. He came into the Rothesay County Championship game against Leicestershire as an injury replacement for Brett Hutton.
Hayes has agreed to a two-year deal with Gloucestershire after a successful loan spell. This move marks a major milestone in his career as he aims for consistent opportunities at the county level. His stint at Gloucestershire gave him a platform to showcase his talents in the T20 format, and the permanent contract now allows him to cement his role as a vital component of the county’s bowling lineup.
Talking to Gloucestershire Live, James said, “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. Leaving Trent Bridge was a really tough decision to make, but I am excited for the next chapter of my career with Gloucestershire.”
While on loan at Gloucestershire, Hayes debuted in senior T20 cricket for the county and claimed six wickets in four Vitality Blast matches. His contributions played a key role in helping Gloucestershire advance to the quarter-finals, as the county won away against Worcestershire and at home against Surrey in the group stage. These performances showed that he was prepared for regular county cricket at the highest level.
