Gloucester Rugby’s director of rugby, George Skivington, has confirmed that the club will field strong sides in the upcoming PREM Rugby Cup fixtures. With a desire to regain confidence and sharpen performance, Skivington envisions these games as a critical preparation phase leading into a demanding stretch of Gallagher Premiership matches.
The Cherry and Whites currently top Pool A, boasting three wins from four games following a promising block of fixtures in the Autumn. However, the team has struggled recently, enduring seven consecutive defeats in Gallagher Premiership and Champions Cup competitions. Adding to the challenge, numerous players remain sidelined due to injuries and international duties.
Skivington acknowledges the importance of the PREM Cup games as an opportunity to rebuild momentum. “We have roughly two months before a run of eight Premiership games. By then, I want us to be really sharp and carry that form into the season’s critical phase,” he stated.
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Despite ongoing shortages, Gloucester aims to utilize the competition for both player development and team cohesion. Skivington elaborated, “While we won’t have a full squad available initially, this presents a chance to give fit fringe players valuable game time. It’s also about bonding in a less pressured environment and refining key areas of our game.”
The club demonstrated competitive spirit recently, narrowly losing 30-26 to reigning Gallagher Premiership champions at Kingsholm but securing two vital bonus points to climb to eighth in the league table. Their rise has moved them above Harlequins, who suffered a heavy home defeat against Leicester Tigers.
Gloucester will face Bristol Bears this Sunday at Ashton Gate, with a squad missing key individuals due to the Six Nations tournament. Wales international Tomos Williams, along with England’s Seb Atkinson and Arthur Clark, are currently on international duty. Additionally, several promising youngsters have been called up for England and Wales U20 Six Nations squads, highlighting the club’s investment in emerging talent.
Skivington also emphasized the need to manage player welfare: “Players like Lewis Ludlow have given everything for this club and feel the impact of losses deeply. We need to ensure they are looked after physically and mentally.”
Reflecting on this PREM Cup campaign, Skivington noted the difference from last year when squad depth allowed more rotation. “This year we face unique challenges, but we have clear goals to strive for,” he concluded.
Gloucester Rugby’s approach to the PREM Rugby Cup underscores a strategic focus: balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term resilience, ensuring the squad is battle-ready for the demanding months ahead.