With just two group matches remaining in Pool A of the Premiership Rugby Cup, Gloucester Rugby find themselves in a challenging position. The simple equation at the top of the table is clear: three teams are vying for just two semi-final spots.
Earlier this season, Gloucester publicly declared their ambition to win the development competition. However, Saturday’s heavy 48-14 defeat away to table-toppers Exeter Chiefs has left the Cherry and Whites in third place, facing a precarious path to the knockout stages.
The critical fixture comes this Friday when Sale Sharks, already eliminated from contention, travel to Kingsholm. Gloucester must capitalize on this home advantage to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Their season then culminates in a West Country derby away at second-placed Bath, a fixture that promises to be decisive in the race for qualification.
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Scrum coach Trevor Woodman acknowledged the tight nature of the competition: “It is going to be a tough little journey. We have Sale at home, and if we can win that, it will set us up for a strong game at Bath. It’s now a three-way shootout."
Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs will host Bath on Saturday, meaning the two leading teams are likely to drop points, giving Gloucester a potential opportunity to leapfrog one of their rivals heading into the final weekend.
Despite Gloucester’s disappointing form — currently sitting eighth in the Gallagher Premiership and out of European competitions — the supporters have remained steadfast. The team’s struggles have been shaped by a tough injury crisis and some questionable, cost-conscious recruitment decisions.
The effort and spirit displayed by the squad have won fans' respect during a difficult season. However, Saturday’s defeat at Sandy Park left Woodman visibly frustrated, particularly with the team’s energy levels in the final stages when Exeter pulled away from what had been a closely fought contest.
Woodman emphasized the need for greater intensity: “Our energy off the ball has been something we’ve been working on, and I thought our effort allowed Exeter to pull away in the last 30 minutes. Not getting to breakdowns, not working hard during the next phase — these are the areas letting us down. Every mistake we made wasn’t followed up with enough work to rectify it, and that is frustrating.
“I told the players in the changing rooms that if they can improve their work rate and effort, then everything else around us will improve too.”
For the loyal Cherry and White fans to see their team advance, attention to Woodman’s words will be crucial when Gloucester take on Sale Sharks at Kingsholm — the vital first step in their bid to continue their Premiership Rugby Cup journey.