Gloucester
Club Details
Kingsholm
Kingsholm Road
Gloucester
GL1 3AX
Stadium Capacity: 12,500
Website: www.gloucesterrugbyclub.com
Founded: 1873
– 2007/8 Season Preview –
Last time around: Last season lived up to all of the pre-season hype for Gloucester. Young English talent cemented their places in coach Dean Ryan’s plans as the Cherry and Whites made it to the Guinness Premiership Grand Final. However, new captain Marco Bortolami was sorely missed through injury at Twickenham as Leicester steamrolled Ryan’s youth in a one-sided affair. Failing to make it out of their Heineken Cup Pool was a major disappointment, losing out to Leinster and Agen. Overall though, in their second full season, Ryan Lamb, Anthony Allen, Olly Morgan and Mark Foster brought flair to an exciting back-line. In the pack, new arrival Bortolami led by example with Andy Hazell the consistent star man.
This time? Spurred on from last season’s Grand Final wake-up call, Ryan has strengthened his squad with experience and bulk. Lesley Vainikolo and Jeremy Paul are major coups for Kingsholm and assuming the core of the squad stays fit, Gloucester will surely improve in Europe and domestically. The goal-kicking and running of Chris Paterson will also compliment Ryan’s options. Expect the Cherry and Whites to progress from a tough Pool consisting of Ulser, Ospreys and Bourgoin and then who knows..!
Coach: Former England No.8 Dean Ryan has developed a brand of fast and dynamic rugby that is sure to see his charges take another step up the ladder. Ryan runs a tighter ship than many, but along with former Scotland scrum-half Bryan Redpath, the pair bring a balanced blend of forward beef and back-line invention to the role, which the whole team has been responding to.
Captain: An excellent battler from the engine room Marco Bortolami is the leader of Gloucester’s ranks. The Italian was only signed last season and has established himself as a Kingsholm favourite with his line-out ability a major strength.
One to watch: Winger Lesley Vainikolo The latest rugby league convert to switch to union. The former Bradford Bull had a try-scoring record that was close to one per game! Vainikolo was possibly the one string missing from Ryan’s bow and the head-to-head with Alesana Tu’ilagi is eagerly awaited!
Final 2007/8 league position prediction: 2nd
skybet.com prediction (04/09): 11-4 to finish first
In: Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Mike Prendergast (Bourgoin), Leon Lloyd (Leicester), Lesley Vainikolo (Bradford Bulls), Gareth Delve (Bath), Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Edinburgh), Jeremy Paul (ACT Brumbies), Akapusi Qera (Pertemps Bees), Andy Titterrell (Sale), Dave Lewis (Exeter).
Out: Peter Richards (London Irish), Jon Goodridge (Leeds Carnegie), Adam Eustace (Llanelli).
Colours: Cherry red and white
Tickets: #18 – 23
Travel connections: Gloucester is close to the M5 motorway, which leads from Birmingham to the South-West. The train station is on the main line from North to South-West as well, and is only ten minutes’ walk from the ground.
