CONFIRMED | Gloucester announce their new head coach

The 37-year-old first took steps into coaching while still playing for the Exiles, helping Ealing Trailfinders to promotion from National One to the Championship in 2014-15.

Upon his appointment he said “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Gloucester Rugby. I’ve been very impressed with everyone I’ve met at the Club so far, and the vision they have for the Club. What I particularly liked was how far-reaching the vision is, building from the Academy, through the first team, and across the whole Club. I can’t wait to play my part in it.

“When I was playing, Gloucester was one of a couple of clubs that you never fancied visiting. We want to bring that feeling back to Kingsholm.

“I’ve had a look at the playing squad, and there are some really great players in there. It doesn’t need rebuilding, but there are obviously one or two areas that need some work. When Gloucester has been successful it’s always been built on having a formidable pack. We need make sure we have a pack that has the kind of reputation that it used to have. When we do that, with the skill and pace of the backs we have at the Club, we’re going to start getting the results we want again.”

CEO Lance Bradley added: “George has a great reputation within the game, and is one of the new generation of highly talented young English coaches. He was our clear first choice among the many who applied for the position. He has signed a long-term contract and we look forward to working with him to deliver the vision we have for our Club.”

Players in: Louis Rees-Zammit (promoted from Academy), Jack Singleton (Saracens), Jordy Reid (Ealing Trailfinders), Jonny May (Gloucester)

Players out: Callum Braley (Benetton), Aaron Hinkley (Exeter Chiefs), Simon Linsell (Ealing Trailfinders), Franco Mostert (released), Ruan Dreyer (released), Owen Williams (NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes), Tom Marshall (NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes), Franco Marais (NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes).

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