Gloucester Rugby is preparing for significant changes in its coaching structure ahead of the 2026/27 season. This follows the recent appointment of Chris Boyd and Rob Burgess in key positions aimed at reshaping the club’s rugby operations.
Chris Boyd, former Northampton Saints director of rugby, has joined Gloucester as a technical director on a consultancy basis, with a contract extending to the end of the 2026/27 season. Rob Burgess, who previously worked as a scout and head of recruitment, starts as general manager of rugby at Kingsholm from April 1.
Meanwhile, George Skivington has been reassigned from director of rugby to head coach, reportedly signing a one-year extension to continue in this role for the upcoming season.
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However, not all coaches are expected to stay. Gloucester’s management is reviewing the futures of specialist coaches Trevor Woodman and Dom Waldouck. Woodman, a long-serving and highly respected scrum coach who has helped transform the Cherry and Whites’ pack, could be leaving the club. Reports suggest his exit is not performance-related but part of a cost-cutting strategy, as Gloucester aims to appoint a forwards coach with a broader remit.
Woodman has reportedly interviewed for a scrum coach position at Connacht in the United Rugby Championship. Gloucester recently considered former Exeter Chiefs forwards coach Rob Hunter for their vacancy but appear to be leaning towards Leicester Tigers senior coach Brett Deacon. Deacon, a former Gloucester player from 2010 to 2012, transitioned into coaching after retirement and currently serves as Leicester’s forwards coach. His expertise spans line-out, defence, and breakdown coaching.
On the defensive side, Dom Waldouck’s future is also uncertain. If Gloucester hires a new defence coach, Waldouck will likely remain until his contract ends. The club has also explored options from rugby league but has not finalized any decisions.
Gloucester, currently eighth in the Gallagher Premiership, face challenges on the field with a -121 points difference after 10 rounds, having conceded 335 points this season. Only Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons rank below them with poorer defensive records.