Last year was all about cup runs for George Skivington's Cherry and Whites, so the league will be a big aim this term
Our Gloucester Gallagher Premiership preview looks at whether George Skivington’s side can reverse the domestic form that has those in the Shed looking down only on Newcastle…
Discussion points
Related: Bath Rugby Gallagher Premiership preview
We like Skivington’s calm inscrutability under the gaze of the media, but the fact remains that Gloucester have come second-to-bottom in three of his four seasons at Kingsholm.
Last term brought solace in the shape of the Premiership Cup – their first trophy since 2015 – and a place in the Challenge Cup final, where their scrum unravelled against SA’s Sharks. With Adam Hastings moving on, the arrival of the Wales half-backs Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe takes Gloucester in a new direction.
The strength of the side lies in back-rows Zach Mercer, Ruan Ackermann and Lewis Ludlow, while jackaling loosehead Val Rapava-Ruskin could yet win an England cap if he can stay fit. In the backs, Santi Carreras, the Pumas ten who Gloucester field at 15, can look like the world’s best player – and also like a busted flush. Finding consistency is the big objective for Glos.
No 8 Zach Mercer could be in his last year at Kingsholm after reports of a return to France (Getty Images)
Key player
No 9 Caolan Englefield had a sensational 2023-24 season, with his kicking range something to behold. But livewire Tomos Williams should put more pace into Gloucester’s game and curb the line speed of opponents wary of the Welshman’s running threat and ability to tee up big runners.
One to watch
Welcome back Christian Wade, the Wasp who went off to be a running back for Buffalo Bills and now returns home via Racing. At 33, he might be past his best but he should get lots of game time; Ollie Thorley and Jake Morris are the only other specialist wings in the first-team squad.
Coaches’ box
Dom Waldouck (strategy & defence), James Lightfoot Brown (attack), Tim Taylor (skills & backs transition) and Trevor Woodman (scrum) are key coaching cogs.
Prediction
Improvement will be gradual, not dramatic. Don’t expect them to qualify for the play-offs.
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