Gloucester rugby Defence and Rugby Strategy coach Dominic Waldouck confirmed the news of Newcastle Falcon Tom Penny signing on a four-week trial basis. Penny has provided injury cover for Premiership side Harlequins before as well before moving back to Falcons after playing six games for the Londoners in a variety of positions.
Waldouck is happy to have him join up with the Cherry and Whites in a time where back options could be limited with the likes of Josh Hathaway and Gareth Anscombe away with Wales.
“With what we’re trying to do with the squad and give guys some rest, I think it offers some protection against any injuries, he is a versatile and a quality player too.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for him and it’s great to have him in and I think he’s going to add value to the group and to the performance of the team. So yeah, he’s on a four week trial and then we’ll see where that goes.”
And Penny’s first involvement was in a local derby against Gloucester Hartpury in the Premiership Cup, a game Waldouck is keen to improve on.
“Winning the first game against Hartpury was really important, I think in review we felt like we didn’t show the best of ourselves, and we think we missed opportunities with the ball and probably defensively there were also a few detailed points around our set piece that we weren’t too happy with too.
“I think those sorts of things are natural with a new team being put together,” added the 37-year-old.
“We have addressed it this week so hopefully we can sort of tidy up those issues on the weekend and show a better version of ourselves on Saturday. “
But despite the improvements still to be made, he was still ready to heap some praise on last weekend’s performance.
“I thought they were some strong individuals you know, I thought Deian (Gywnne), put his hand up.
“I thought the forwards won us the game with them with their work at the maul, I thought their physical carries in the 22 were really important as well.”
And with a first ever meeting with the Cornish Pirates on Saturday, the coach knows they can’t be taken lightly.
“The result last weekend will hurt them, and I think they are a good team, so we do respect them and therefore we are expecting a response in the game this weekend.
“And so what is that (Response)? I think it’s a very strong set piece team, a physical team, and a team that we’re going to have to be at our best to deal with.”
Can you name the top 100 mens capped rugby players of all-time?!
Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best. Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.
From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage. Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.
