Gloucester Rugby narrowly missed victory in a thrilling West Country derby, falling 26-30 to Bath in the Gallagher Premiership at Kingsholm. The high-stakes match electrified the crowd and marked a significant return for centre Josiah Edwards-Giraud.
Edwards-Giraud stepped back onto the field for the first time since an ankle injury sidelined him last October during Gloucester’s clash with Bristol Bears. The 23-year-old was visibly pleased with his comeback. “It was wonderful to be back out there, and the boys showed unbelievable fire,” he shared. “My ankle feels good, and I’m focused on staying fit to keep contributing for Gloucester and representing the badge with pride.”
Though initially expecting to play just 40 minutes, Edwards-Giraud surprised himself by lasting the full 80. “It was tough, but once you’re on the pitch, you just do what needs to be done—keep pushing and grinding,” he explained.
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The vibrant atmosphere at Kingsholm fueled the players through the intense derby encounter. Edwards-Giraud described it as “crazy” and emphasized how the crowd’s passionate support spurred the team on: “Hearing the fans scream ‘Gloucester’ lifts you up. It shows how much love there is for this team and badge. Although the result wasn’t what we wanted, the boys never gave up and fought hard till the final whistle.”
A highlight of Edwards-Giraud’s performance was a crucial defensive tap tackle on Bath’s Dan Frost, halting a near-certain try. “He’s fast,” Edwards-Giraud admitted with a grin. “I wasn’t sure I could catch him, but I wasn’t going to let him score without a fight. Luckily, I managed to grab his foot just in time to stop the try.”
Despite the loss, Edwards-Giraud believes Gloucester’s performance is a powerful signal of the team’s potential. “This game showed what we’re capable of. Maybe at times we doubted ourselves, but sticking with a top-of-the-table team for 80 minutes proves we can do it. It’s a foundation to build on moving forward.”
With the Six Nations approaching and an upcoming block of Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures, Gloucester has a prime opportunity to showcase its wealth of young talent. Edwards-Giraud, who scored his first try for the Cherry and Whites earlier this season, understands the importance of these chances. “The young players are eager and ready, especially those recently signed. It’s their moment to step up, show what they can do, and contribute to the team collectively.”
As Gloucester looks ahead, Edwards-Giraud’s message is clear: belief and persistence will drive the team toward greater success.