Last year was all about a cup run for George Skivington’s Cherry and Whites, so the league will be a big target this season.
Our Gloucester Gallagher Premiership preview takes a look at whether George Skivington’s side can turn around their domestic form with Newcastle only looking down on them.
discussion points
relevant: Bath Rugby Gallagher Premiership Preview
We love Skivington’s calm inscrutability under the glare of the press, but the fact remains that Gloucester have been bottom of the table in three of his four seasons at Kingsholm.
Last season there was consolation in the Premiership Cup, their first trophy since 2015, and a place in the final of the Challenge Cup, which featured a scrum against SA’s Sharks. The arrivals of Welsh halfbacks Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe, with Adam Hastings moving forward, have taken Gloucester in a new direction.
The team’s strength lies in its back row of Zach Mercer, Ruan Ackermann and Lewis Ludlow, while jackal loosehead Val Rapava-Ruskin could yet win an England cap if he can stay fit. At the back, Gloucester field 15-year-old Pumas 10-year-old Santi Carreras can look like the best player in the world and can also look like a busted flush. Finding consistency is Glos’ biggest goal.
Number 8 Zach Mercer could spend his final season at Kingsholm after reports he has returned to France (Getty Images)
key players
No 9 Caolan Englefield has had a remarkable 2023-24 season, with his kicking range notable. However, livewire Tomos Williams will need to bring more pace into Gloucester’s game and be wary of the Welshman’s running threat and ability to tee up big runners to keep his opponents’ line speed in check.
One to watch
We welcome back Wasps Christian Wade, who started as a running back for the Buffalo Bills and is now back home with the Racing. At 33, he may be past his prime but should get plenty of playing time. Ollie Thorley and Jake Morris are the only specialist wings in the first-team squad.
coach’s box
Dom Waldouck (strategy and defence), James Lightfoot Brown (attack), Tim Taylor (technique and back transition) and Trevor Woodman (scrum) are the key coaching cogs.
prediction
Improvements will be gradual rather than dramatic. Don’t expect to make the playoffs.
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