Alex Brown, CEO of Gloucester Rugby, has confirmed that discussions are underway regarding new investment opportunities for the club. Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Brown emphasised that while there is significant interest from potential investors, details about these parties remain confidential at this stage.
The recent financial accounts for Gloucester Rugby Limited, filed at Companies House, highlight a substantial increase in losses-a rise of 464 per cent-totaling £2.9 million compared to £500,000 the previous year. These figures raise concerns about the club’s future funding despite the commitment from majority owner Martin St Quinton to provide necessary financial support at least until 2027.
“There is interest in Gloucester Rugby but our shareholders and board are very sensitive to who that investment might be,” Brown explained. He expressed optimism about the state of Premiership Rugby as a whole, noting substantial growth in sponsorship and ticket sales across the league. “This is a good thing. There is a huge amount of interest in Premiership Rugby at the moment, and rightly so. The growth statistics are really positive, and that’s down to the product. The product is now really compelling and a great watch.”
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Brown referenced recent investment deals at other clubs, including Newcastle’s association with Red Bull, Bath’s partnership with Dyson, and Exeter’s backing from Black Knight, indicating similar interest in Gloucester Rugby. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring any investor aligns with the club’s philosophy and future ambitions.
The summer also saw the successful return of concerts at Kingsholm Stadium, with Brown describing the events as “a roaring success”. Over 20,000 visitors attended the concerts during the rugby off-season, bringing fresh audiences to the venue. Brown confirmed plans to continue the summer concert series while managing the logistical challenges posed by pitch usage for training.
On the playing field, the season was challenging for Gloucester Rugby. After finishing fifth in the 2024/25 season, the team fell to eighth place in 2025/26, winning only five out of 18 matches and failing to progress beyond the group stages in both the Premiership Rugby Cup and the Champions Cup. This downturn prompted a significant restructure of the coaching team, bringing in Chris Boyd and Rob Burgess and repositioning George Skivington as head coach. New backroom staff also joined, including Joel Tomkins, Brett Deacon, and Ryan Bower.
“It was a frustrating year,” Brown admitted. “We didn’t get to where we wanted to, and we fell short of our standards. A rocky start marked by injuries and unavailable players contributed to a poor domestic run. However, accelerating our plans to enhance the coaching staff has been a positive step. The calibre of individuals we’ve brought in is really strong and has already created a sense of professionalism and determination within the squad.”
Brown highlighted a strong performance in a narrow loss against Northampton as an example of the team’s potential, noting the aim to make Kingsholm a daunting venue for opponents. He expressed ambition for Gloucester Rugby to become Premiership champions, citing Exeter’s recent rise from ninth place to finalists as evidence of the league’s competitive nature.
“We want to become title holders; we want to be the ones lifting that Premiership title at the end of the season,” Brown said. He concluded by focusing on the squads and fans: “Let’s forget last season and move on. We’ve got to get a fit and healthy squad on the field, and if we can do that, we’ve got as good a starting 15 as any in the Premiership. We’ll also be doubling down on our fans, making sure we listen to their voices this year.”
“There is interest in Gloucester Rugby but our shareholders and board are very sensitive to who that investment might be. It has to be right for the club and its future.”
With ongoing talks about investment, a reinvigorated coaching team, and ambitious targets on the horizon, Gloucester Rugby aims to build a stronger future on and off the field.