Ryan sees a bright Gloucester future
Gloucester coach says Challenge Cup triumph could be the start of an era
Dean Ryan believes Sunday's dramatic 36-34 European Challenge Cup final victory over London Irish can be the start of a successful era for Gloucester.
James Forrester's extra-time try finally sealed the win after London Irish had forced their way back into the game to level the scores from 31-19 down with two tries in the last 11 minutes.
Ryan has given youth its chance this season and the likes of England Under-21 pair Ryan Lamb and Anthony Allan proved against the Exiles they are not fazed by the big occasion.
Next year Gloucester will be in the Heineken Cup and Ryan is confident this victory will stand his young side in good stead.
"It is important to come to finals and win. I really strongly believe this group of players will be around for a long time and there will be some big games for them in the future," said Ryan.
"All of them will gain experience from this. We watched the Heineken Cup final yesterday, we aspire to be there and that Munster team have been in some big finals and learned some big lessons.
"Today was one of those for us. We came out winning and that will give us good memories when we get in that environment again.
"We should have won it the first time round. We were 12 points up and did some silly things but we are prone to that.
"Where we are as a group, it is a difficult balance to keep their heads up, keep them enthused and at the same time put 10 years experience on them.
"I have to keep their instincts out there but lend my experience and get a blend. I am delighted we won with a nice blend of the two today.
"This side would not be able to cope with the power of either of the Heineken Cup finalists at the moment, but I think we will next year."
Gloucester opened a 15-6 lead in the first half with tries from Mark Foster and Andy Hazell before Delon Armitage replied for the Exiles.
James Simpson-Daniel sped clear for a 50-metre intercept try that opened Gloucester a 31-19 lead – only for London Irish to pile forward and pin them back with scores from Olivier Magne and Robbie Russell.
Barry Everitt, who had kept London Irish in touch during the game, missed the conversion that would have snatched victory for the Exiles.
Everitt pushed London Irish ahead with a penalty to take his personal contribution to 19 points but missed a second shot later in extra-time which left Forrester as the match-winner.
The England number eight had chased down his own kick forward and just touched the loose ball before it crept over the dead-ball line.
"It was all a bit of a blur," said Forrester.
"I remember it being a good try but watching it on the video it looks a bit clumsy.
"I thought I had over-kicked it, the dead ball area looked longer than it was but I just got in there. The line crept up on me and I was panicking but I just got in."
London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith had set his side three goals this season – a top-four finish in the Guinness Premiership, qualification for the Heineken Cup and a piece of silverware.
Smith has overseen a transformation at Irish and the first two aims were achieved with an open, attacking brand of rugby.
His men fell at the final hurdle in difficult conditions but Smith is confident the disappointment will spur his men on next season.
"It was mission impossible to get two tries. We did that and we had a shot for the win. I am immensely proud of the guys," said Smith.
"We are a young team and this will make us angry and more dangerous next season."
