Gloucester Rugby have announced that Brett Deacon, a former player, will return to Kingsholm as the club’s new forwards coach starting next season. Deacon moves from Leicester Tigers, staying within the Gallagher Premiership, and will take on a broader coaching role than his predecessor.
Trevor Woodman, who made 140 appearances for Gloucester and earned 22 England caps—including as part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad—will leave his assistant coaching role this summer to join Connacht Rugby in the United Rugby Championship. Gloucester chose not to renew Woodman’s contract as part of a strategic restructuring aimed at expanding the forwards coach’s responsibilities beyond scrummaging.
Woodman began coaching after his playing career with roles in Australia and at Wasps before returning to Gloucester in 2014. Since George Skivington’s appointment as head coach in 2020, Woodman served as Assistant Forwards Coach, primarily overseeing the scrum and player development.
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Deacon’s experience at Leicester Tigers includes managing line-outs, defence, breakdowns, and leading their Premiership Rugby Cup programme from 2019 to 2023. Speaking on his return, Deacon expressed enthusiasm about rejoining Gloucester and contributing to the club’s ambition under a new coaching group.
“I’m excited to be coming back to Gloucester Rugby in the summer. I’ve learnt a huge amount during my time at Leicester, working with outstanding players and coaches, and I feel like I’m ready to take on the next challenge in my career,” Deacon said. “I have very fond memories of my playing days at Gloucester and look forward to working with a forward pack full of potential.”
Head coach George Skivington praised Woodman’s contributions, noting the strength of Gloucester’s scrum under his leadership and expressing gratitude for his service. “Trevor has been an immense servant of this club both as a player and a coach,” Skivington said. “He’ll be sorely missed, but we’ve got some great guys coming into the building too, which is exciting.”
Woodman also reflected fondly on his time at Kingsholm. “Kingsholm means a great deal to me, so of course it’s difficult to say goodbye to a hugely passionate fanbase and unique club. I wish the club all the best for the future and look forward to following the lads’ future successes from afar.”
Brett Deacon will officially begin his new role on July 1, marking a new chapter for Gloucester Rugby’s forwards coaching setup.