Gloucester Rugby Season Preview
Director of Rugby: David Humphreys
Head Coach: Laurie Fisher
Captain: Tom Savage
Position 2013/2014: 9th
Predicted Position 2014/2015: 6th
It’s all change at Kingsholm this season, as Nigel Davies has been let go after Gloucester’s final game of last season. Appointing David Humphreys as Director of Rugby could prove a masterstroke by Ryan Walkinshaw and the Cherry and Whites Board.
Laurie Fisher has also been lured away from the Brumbies to take over as Head Coach, and his experience will be vital in bedding in all the new arrivals at the club. John Afoa, Richard Hibbard, Tom Palmer, Greg Laidlaw and James Hook are all vastly experienced Internationals, and will no doubt improve the squad.
Gloucester have parted ways with a high number of players, and the I think their squad has a more rounded look to it on the back of these changes. The signing of Jimmy Cowan, in hindsight has been a total disaster. A lot of money for a player who seemed to have very little interest.
Freddie Burns and Gloucester will both benefit from his departure judging by his extremely patchy form over the last 18 months. James Hook will be a more consistent option at out half.
I expect Gloucester to have a good season. On many occasions last term they were very close to winning games but couldnt quite get over the line. With the additions of top quality players and the appointment of Fisher and Humphries, the Kingsholm faithful should expect to improve significantly.
One final word on a Gloucester player who has retired, Mike Tindall. He is the final player from England’s World Cup winning side of 2003 to retire and leaves behind an outstanding career. Tindall’s club career spanned 17 years with two ff England’s top clubs. Eight years at Bath and then nine at Gloucester. Enjoy a well deserved retirement sir.
Players In:
John Afoa (Prop) from Ulster Rugby
Richard Hibbard (Hooker) from Ospreys
Aleki Lutui (Hooker) from Edinburgh Rugby
Mariano Galarza (Second Row) from Worcester Warriors
Elliott Stooke (Second Row) from Academy
Tom Palmer (Second Row) from Wasps
Jacon Rowan (Back Row) from Leeds Carnegie
Ross Moriarty (Back Row) from Academy
Greig Laidlaw (Scrum Half) from Edinburgh Rugby
Callum Braley (Scrum Half) from Bristol Rugby
Billy Burns (Out Half) from Academy
Aled Thomas (Out Half) from Scarlets
James Hook (Out Half) from USA Perpignan
Mark Atkinson (Centre) from Bedford Blues
Tom Isaacs (Centre) from Ospreys
Henry Purdy (Centre) from Leicester Tigers
Steve McColl (Full Back) from Leeds Carnegie
Players Out:
Rupert Harden (Prop) to Benetton Treviso
Tom Heard (Prop) to Plymouth Albion
Koree Britton (Hooker) to London Welsh
Huia Edmonds (Hooker) to RC Narbonne
Dan George (Hooker) to Worcester Warriors
Matt Cox (Second Row) to Worcester Warriors
Thomas Young (Back Row) to Wasps
Tavis Knoyle (Scrum Half) to Cardiff Blues
Jimmy Cowan (Scrum Half) to Tasman Makos
Freddie Burns (Out Half) to Leicester Tigers
Johnny Bentley (Out Half) to Jersey
Ryan Mills (Centre) to Worcester Warriors
Drew Cheshire (Wing) to Moseley
Lua Lokotoi (Second Row) Released
Martyn Thomas (Full Back) Released
Tim Taylor Retired
Andy Hazell Retired
Will James Retired
Mike Tindall Retired
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