Gloucester 2014/15 Thread

[HongKongCherry]

After an encouraging finish to the season finishing 5th in the 2012/13 we move into the 2014/15 full of confidence that we can build upon those results... Everything in between those dates remains a blur and will never be mentioned again!

This thread is welcome to all to discuss Glaws for the 2014/15 season.

Fixtures:
Sat 16 Aug Glaws 62 v  19 Yorkshire Carnegie
Sat 23 Aug Glaws 45 v 8 Munster
Sat 30 Aug Scarlets 29 v 24 Glaws


Fri 5 Sep Saints 53 v 6 Glaws
Sat 13 Sep Glaws 34 v 27 Sale
Fri 19 Sep Glaws 22 v  25 Exeter
Fri 26 Sep London Welsh 10 v 46 Glaws
Sat 4 Oct Glaws 33 v 16 Tigers
Thur 16 Oct Glaws 55 v 0 Brive ERCC
Sat 25 Oct Oyonnax 15 v 25 Glaws ERCC
Sat 1 Nov Exeter v Glaws LV
Sun 9 Nov London Welsh v Glaws LV
Sat 11 Oct Saracens 28 v 21 Glaws
Sat 15 Nov Glaws 15 v 22 Quins
Fri 21 Nov Newcastle 20 v 10 Glaws
Sat 29 Nov London Irish 9 v 21 Glaws
Thur 4 Dec Glaws 35 v 10 Zebre ERCC
Thur 11 Dec Zebre 16 v 32 Glaws ERCC
Sat 20 Dec Glaws 16 v 39 Bath
Sat 27 Dec Glaws 23 v 30 Wasps
Sat 3 Jan Exeter 25 v 26 Glaws
Sat 10 Jan Glaws 24 v 23 Saracens
Thur 15 Jan Glaws v Oyonnax ERCC
Thur 22 Jan Brive v Glaws ERCC
Sat 31 Jan Glaws v Ospreys LV
Sat 7 Feb Glaws v Quins LV
Sat 14 Feb Tigers v Glaws
Sat 21 Feb Glaws v London Welsh
Sun 1 Mar Wasps v Glaws
Sat 7 Mar Glaws v Saints
Sat 28 Mar Sale v Glaws
Sat 11 Apr Quins v Glaws
Sat 25 Apr Glaws v Newcastle
Sat 9 May Glaws v London Irish
Sat 16 May Bath Rugby v Glaws

Transfers In:
Halaifonua (Bergerac), Tom Marshall (Chiefs), Jeremy Thrush (Hurricanes)

Transfers Out:
Simpson-Daniel (retired), Isaacs (Cardiff), Robson (Wasps - 2015/16)

Contract Re-signings:
May, Kvesic, Moriarty, Evans, Morgan

Squad:
LH: Wood, Y.Thomas, Murphy
HK: Hibbard, Dawiduik, Charles (Academy), Lutui
TH: Afoa, Knight, Puafisi, Gibbons (Academy)
LK: Stooke, Hudson, Galarza, Palmer, Hicks (Academy), Hill (Academy), Voss (Academy)
BR: Kalamafoni, Savage, Moriarty, Kvesic, Rowan, Ludlow (Academy), Morgan, Evans, Thomas (Academy)
SH: Laidlaw, Robson, Braley (Academy)
FH: Hook, A.Thomas, Burns, Evans (Academy)
CN: Twelevtrees, Trinder, Atkinson, Meakes (Academy), Thorley (Academy)
WG: Sharples, May, Monahan, Reynolds (Academy), Purdy (Academy), Halaifonua
FB: Cook, McColl

[Geordie]

Interesting lineup your going to have next season...and some interesting youngsters seemingly coming through aswell.

I think you need to strengthen your second row though. Stooke looks the real deal but Palmer, and Hudson are well past it?

Who is Galarza, and will the academy lads Hicks and Hill make as big an impression as Stooke has?

Do you think you'll reinforce that area aswell?

[The Saint]

That's going to be quite a star-studded Glaws team. I'd be surprised if they didn't do well next season.

[HammerofThunor]

All depends on the coaching set up. Bad coaches (or just ones not right for a team) have shown time and again they can make a sow's ear out of a silk purse.

[Geordie]

1 Wood
2 Hibbard
3 Afoa
4 Stooke
5 ?
6 Kalamafoni
7 Kvesic / Rowan
8 Morgan

9 Robson / Laidlaw
10 Hook

11 JSD / May / Sharples
12 Twelvetrees
13 Trinder
14 JSD / May / Sharples
15 MColl

Now that looks a very useful side!

[HongKongCherry]

Geordie, Galarza is an Argentinian lock coming from Wuss. He's started most of their games last season and the Wuss fans I know all rate him highly. He is a middle jumper and more in the Hudson mold than Stooke. All our locks are signed up for at least another 2 years, so we won't be improving this area this season and probably next.

Savage struggled at lock at this start of the year, but as did all of the front 5. It is still unclear as to whether lock or 6 is his best position. he does have the potential to be another enforcer at lock, but I also feel he provides good balance across the backrow.

[BamBam]

Looks a good team indeed. Do you guys think Robson will be taking a back seat to Laidlaw at 9, or is Laidlaw more likely to be competing for the 10 shirt?

I like the look of Cook at FB too, not too sure about McColl haven't seen anything of him

[prop_lyd]

It would be quite nice to see Savage develop as captain and to stay inb the engine room as him and Stooke could be together for a good few years there.

[BamBam]

Would Stooke and Savage lack a bit of line out ability though?

[HongKongCherry]

Would Stooke and Savage lack a bit of line out ability though?

Quite possibly.  Neither are middle jumpers and if we were to go down that route I think it is more likely Stooke would be converted to a middle jumper.  At the moment I'm expecting Stooke and Galarza to be our first choice pair.

[Seagultaf]

I really hope that Hook finally settles down and does the hard work needed to make him a top no 10 at Gloucester but hisory suggests otherwise. He was behind; (a very young) Dan Biggar at Ospreys, Camille Lopez and Tommy Allen at Perpignan and for Wales he is now just a squad utility player.

When he broke onto the scene he looked very special but he has never developed the game management side of his game, either in defence or attack.

At 28 his powers are probably on the wane and without the game management craft to back up his undoubted skills, this is probably a last chance saloon!
.

[HongKongCherry]

A very surprising appointment as DoR, but one I'm happy with. One of the things that has changed at Glaws since Stephen Vaughan became CEO is an air of silence regarding transfers/contracts. Humphreys wasn't on the list being widely touted, but he's certainly better than most on it.

I'd like to think the fact we've just turned our most successful financial year ever, posting profits for 4 years running, coupled with the chance to test himself in a new league with the squad we're putting together with the excellent training facilities at Hartpury and the expanded academy were all just too good to turn down. Or maybe it was just the money

[yappysnap]

He'll be really useful for that relegation battle...   

[geoff999rugby]

Got any wayward characters at Gloucester?
Anyone not toeing a very strike disciplinary line will be out
The players are in for a shock

[HongKongCherry]

Got any wayward characters at Gloucester?
Anyone not toeing a very strike disciplinary line will be out
The players are in for a shock

That truly is fantastic news! Our squad need an almighty kick up the backside. I understand why Nigel Davies was let go, but the players really let him down.

[geoff999rugby]

Any drinkers.

In pubic you are only allowed to drink if DH gives prior approval.

[HongKongCherry]

Fortunately we got rid of that culture a couple of years ago

[geoff999rugby]

Dwarf throwing is out as well   

[Notch]

And John Afoa is lucky he's already signed his contract as I doubt Humph would have okayed that signing after the last year or two!   

[HongKongCherry]

Dwarf throwing is out as well   

I'm not so sure about his appointment now!

[HongKongCherry]

The Braley transfer has been confirmed which will give us real strength in depth at SH with added leadership experience. I didn't see the Purdy transfer coming and I'm not sure how he fits in with Reynolds, Bulumaka and Cheshire.

Moriarty and Billy Burns have both been confirmed as being on professional contracts in the Senior Squad. I've been impressed by Burns so far in the JWC and do feel he could offer genuine competition to Thomas for the reserve FH spot behind Hook.

[chris_501]

HKC, have you heard anything about a potential falling out between Burns Snr and Davies last season? And reasons for the falling out?

[HongKongCherry]

There had been suggestions that they weren't seeing eye to eye, but given how ND stuck with him despite his dire form I can't believe there was any issue between them.

[geoff998rugby]

Couple of point from an Ulster meeting last night - not great for Gloucester

Humphreys has a 6 monthe notice to serve and Ulster will not release him until he has tied up the loose ends - mainly around contracts.

Also said that one of the reasons Afoa underperformed last year was some serious ongoing injury issues but as Logan said 'thats no longer our problem its Humphreys' - said with some bitterness too.

[HongKongCherry]

Couple of point from an Ulster meeting last night - not great for Gloucester

Humphreys has a 6 monthe notice to serve and Ulster will not release him until he has tied up the loose ends - mainly around contracts.

Also said that one of the reasons Afoa underperformed last year was some serious ongoing injury issues but as Logan said 'thats no longer our problem its Humphreys' - said with some bitterness too.

I'm not too concerned about Humphreys' start date unless it impacts upon the appointment for a Head Coach, which from my understanding it won't. As we're not expecting him to have any involvement on the coaching front the HC can start proceedings.

There is clearly a bad taste as a result of Afoa leaving given the need for the statement to be made confirming he wasn't offered a new contract, so whilst not knowing what this is I can understand the bitterness. We won't have entered any contract without a thorough medical based upon our past experience, so Afoa will have passed this. My understanding is that his fluctuating form was driven by his family situation and Mrs Afoa does seem taken with Cheltenham, so hopefully these issues will not re-occur. Either way, his poor performances last season were still better than our best!!

[Welly]

From the Ulster forum by a poster called BaggyTrousers.

 Humphreys
 "- Humphreys, major shock to Fit, he knew on the Tuesday, he asked Humphreys for time to consider the situation. Gordon Hamilton was on holiday & Fit wanted to consult him as head of the pro game committee. Then Glaws precipitated the whole announcement by threatening to go ahead with their own announcement. He was asked did they offer Humph money to stay, reply " He did not offer us the opportunity to make any offer" Doesn't seem much in written form but I picked up on that as the first sign of irritation. He also of course made a comment about hoping to meet Gloucester before long.

He also said that contrary to popular myth that Humphreys has a 6 month period of notice, is still in place as he has much work to do in relation to contracts and that he will not be released to Glaws until Ulster are happy to agree.

He also made the comment for the future of the DOR job that Humph was very much a hand on the rear of the tiller, that he was not involved in selection or style of play. He said that we will not rush into things but that there is a feeling that the new DOR will be more hands to the front of the tiller and more involved in coaching. Not quite the words but that was the meaning.

He did say that some decisions need to be taken within the next three weeks, two weeks after the players return to pre-season for then they start rugby rather than fitness work & they need to know what is happening. I took that to mean an interim appointment is a cert."
 

"Afoa: nice guy, was magnificent for a season and a quarter, mentioned the wife, the deaths of relatives & that he was definitely not the player we had when he arrived. Interestingly he said Afoa has serious ongoing injury issues then said, "oh well that's not our problem any more, that's David Humphreys problem"."

 Source http://www.uafc.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17342&start=45

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Code:

Vaughan Optimistic As Gloucester Get Set To Post Record Profit
Stephen Vaughan pic2
shadow bottom

19 June 2014 by Tim Groves

When looking for the success story of the season in the Premiership Gloucester may not be the first club to spring to mind but in business terms the Cherry and Whites have had another stellar year.

There is no hiding the fact that finishing ninth in the league is a disappointment to all concerned but, while the likes of Bath and Saracens have recently made losses of around £4m and £6m according to the latest figures from Companies House, Gloucester are preparing to reveal their “best financial results yet” when the curtain comes down on their business year at the end of June.

Managing director Stephen Vaughan has told Running Rugby that the club is set to record a fourth consecutive year of profit growth, building on the £305,336 of pre-tax profit generated in 2012/13, which is some achievement given the lack of success on the pitch.

“The fact that we have managed to make a record profit in a year where our core revenues haven't grown - after a solid but unspectacular year with regards to ticket sales due to results – is very, very pleasing,” he told Running Rugby.

“A lot of that extra revenue generation has come from new revenue streams, robust cost management and other areas rather than growth of core revenues.

“We are very pleased that we have managed to achieve the results that we have despite having a bit of a challenging year on the pitch.”

East Midlands rivals Leicester and Northampton are also consistently profitable and Exeter Chiefs have been setting the standard when it comes to financial affairs as well since their ascent to the top tier of English rugby but the Cherry and Whites are up there with them.

Vaughan has been at Gloucester for a little over 18 months, having previously worked for Thomas Cook on the London Olympics and with a host of the country's top football clubs after his own playing career in the round ball game with Walsall came to an end, and one of the principal areas that has helped to improve the club's finances since then is sponsorship.

“We have got a brand new main sponsor [ADEY Professional Heating Solutions], which has helped, and on the back of that we have brought in a variety of secondary sponsors as well. We looked at our inventory to begin with and have brought in 11 new partners in the last 12 months and that is on top of some very good long-term partners, such as Mitsubishi, Downton and allpay,” he said.

“We have brought in the likes of Olbas, EDF, Ricoh and all manner of new sponsors and partners, which has been fantastic, and we have also tried to expand the inventory so we now have a legal partner, for example.

“We have also turned our catering on its head, changed some of our corporate areas in terms of the match day experience, changed security partners and even done things like have energy companies come in and give us readings and telling us about best practice.

“It isn't just one thing and we have looked across the piece and there are a number of factors behind the results.”

The latest positive financial news has allowed for the budget at Kingsholm to be increased by over £1 million and Vaughan says that is what all of the hard work behind the scenes is in aid of and is optimistic that the club will now be able to move closer to achieving its aim of a top four finish.

“It has been a successful year all round really besides the actual results on the pitch but going forwards we have invested a further £1.1m extra year-on-year into the playing department and have brought in David Humphreys as our new director of rugby and the likes of John Afoa, Richard Hibbard, Greig Laidlaw, James Hook, Mariano Galarza and Tom Palmer and that really does show an absolute sign of intent,” he told Running Rugby.

“It's great to talk about profit but that doesn't get me out of bed in the morning to be honest. We want to be back at the top table again and talking about play-offs and winning cups and being in the top echelons of European rugby and it hurts us not to be spoken of in those terms at the moment.

“Our mission statement is to be a top four team in a sustainable way, so we are very proud of the fact the we are making a small profit but that is only half the job. We really want to be in the top four consistently and that is what the supporters want, it's what the shareholders want and it's what everybody at the club wants.

“The key to all of this extra revenue generation is to reinvest it back into the playing department because that is what we are about as a club.”

Some of that extra revenue has come from less traditional sources as well as Gloucester have been one of the more innovative clubs in the Premiership off the field during the course of the last year or so.

http://www.runningrugby.com/accounts-funding-and-financial-services/vaughan-optimistic-as-gloucester-get-set-to-post-record-profit/

Well done Glaws for maintaining your place in the band of profitable brothers.    

[HongKongCherry]

We've had false dawns before and been overly excited about the on-set of a new season, however, it is hard not to get carried away with how things are shaping up for next season. We've now announced Nick Walshe as backs/attack coach and John Muggleton as defence coach. Both are excellent appointments and in particular Walshe is a real coup. He already has pedigree, but clearly has the potential to be a top class coach. Roll on September!!

http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/news/10094.php#.U6p3IJRdU4h


On a different note, it has been confirmed that Glaws have parted ways with Tindall. He was a fantastic servant to the club and had a real Indian Summer in his career and arguably the last 3 seasons were his best. He also stepped up admirably when we sorely needed someone to lead the team. He's still England's most capped centre and he was a good a back at the breakdown as I've seen. He wasn't the best passer, but he could toss the odd dwarf! Good luck to him in the future and he'll be remembered as both a Glaws and England great.

[HongKongCherry]

...and Laurie Fisher of the Brumbies and ex-Munster is set to be announced as the head coach http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/laurie-fisher-to-leave-act-brumbies-for-gloucester-job-20140627-zsnkv.html

[Welly]

...and Laurie Fisher of the Brumbies and ex-Munster is set to be announced as the head coach http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/laurie-fisher-to-leave-act-brumbies-for-gloucester-job-20140627-zsnkv.html

 Most impressive signing so far,

 One of the best forwards coaches around.

 Although h will most likely miss pre season as he has to give a months notice, and if Brumbies reach the play offs it could mean he will miss pre season (I think from what I have read)

[HongKongCherry]

Its not ideal but I'm happy to wait for the right person. I fully expect next season to be transitional for us, but this should see us on the right path. He and Woodman could make a formidable coaching duo for our pack.

[Welly]

Its not ideal but I'm happy to wait for the right person. I fully expect next season to be transitional for us, but this should see us on the right path. He and Woodman could make a formidable coaching duo for our pack.

 Bringing yourselves back to the good old days then.

[doctor_grey]

Maybe I am wrong, but I have always held the impression that Fisher was never successful as Head Coach. Someone know his record as Head Coach?

[Scrumpy]

So are you guys going to give us a game next season?

[doctor_grey]

Probably.  We don't do that for just anyone.
I actually would have felt lucky to win that one, since we had just gone ahead. C'est la vie.

[HongKongCherry]

So are you guys going to give us a game next season?

Hopefully so. The timing of the 2 games provides added (festive) spice and hopefully the final game of the season will see us both fighting for something, other than relegation!

Shall we have the usual bet?

[Welshmushroom]

I'd be concerned a lot of the budget Gloucester have spent is improving the pack and starting 15. The real issue for me is they look light in backup players and squad strength still does not look good from a neutral like myself.

Now they may be able to do some damage if they can keep them fit but the Afoa signing is a hell of a gamble in my eyes. Granted its not like they had a choice as tightheads are limited at the moment given most of the better ones are playing in france these days.

Seriously though if they suffer a couple of key injuries they could be in big trouble because looking at the team overall I think it actually has less experience than last year. Granted signings may not be done yet but if they don't strengthen the backup forwards they could be in trouble. That said Hibbard was easily the best signing they have made this year and an impressive catch for them.

I certainly don't think this is going to be a top 4 side because when you look at Leicester, Northampton & Saracens they simply have far more quality within their squads that Gloucester cant compete over the season. I also don't think the starting 15 is enough on its own because I still think Harlequins & Bath have better starting 15's.

All that said sports a funny old business so you can't rule anything out and besides what do I know anyway....

[formerly known as Sam]

They have mainly been improving the starting pack but at the same time have largely kept last season's back up options in that area as well so they are just filling out the pack options nicely. They are looking pretty competitive across the board at the minute. Thankfully not that competitive as to win the AP but certainly top 6 material.

[HongKongCherry]

Welsh, I'm not sure anyone is expecting top 4 this season as there are just too many new players/coaches to gel effectively until the latter stages.

Our squad strength has improved notably though. Hibbard has come in to replace 2nd choice hooker Edmonds, Afoa replacing 3rd choice TH Harden, etc. Added to this we have the youngsters Burns, Moriarty, Braley and Purdy coming into the squad in the back of JWC win. We only lost 2 players we wanted to keep Burns and Mills. I'd arguably say we've signed a stronger replacement for Burns in Hook. Mills is an immense talent and I'm not sure how Atkinson will shape up yet. Nevertheless in general we've improved across the board our strength of 1st XV and the wider squad.

[formerly known as Sam]

HKC, Purdy is a strong and quick player but his footballing skills are questionable and if he's under the high ball you'll find yourself closing your eyes. Very much a player you want in fine conditions and not someone for December and January. Having said that he finished last season on decent form at full back for Notts so he might be improving.

Should work better in the Glaws game plan than at Tigers as well.

[HongKongCherry]

He'd be no more than 5th choice wing at the moment, so hopefully he'll have time to develop. Its not been stated yet, but he may go to Hartpury on dual registration.

[Welshmushroom]

Welsh, I'm not sure anyone is expecting top 4 this season as there are just too many new players/coaches to gel effectively until the latter stages.

Our squad strength has improved notably though. Hibbard has come in to replace 2nd choice hooker Edmonds, Afoa replacing 3rd choice TH Harden, etc. Added to this we have the youngsters Burns, Moriarty, Braley and Purdy coming into the squad in the back of JWC win. We only lost 2 players we wanted to keep Burns and Mills. I'd arguably say we've signed a stronger replacement for Burns in Hook. Mills is an immense talent and I'm not sure how Atkinson will shape up yet. Nevertheless in general we've improved across the board our strength of 1st XV and the wider squad.

I'd agree with you there. They are better than last season. But I'm just saying top 6 might be out of their reach because I think other squads have improved as well. Gloucester should have a top 6 team but in order for that to happen they need to add even more quality to the side but they are certainly going the right way. Gloucester fans should certainly be more optimistic than last season.

[Sin é]

Great interview here with Laurie Fisher.

http://www.espn.co.uk/super-rugby-2014/rugby/story/234133.html

Worth listening to the podcast as well (link at bottom of written interview).

[HongKongCherry]

His interview is certainly very encouraging. It sounds like our players will be given free reign in certain areas, but that also he's a disciplinarian; which with Humphreys input should hopefully ensure we don't have any prima donna antics from any of the squad.

[HongKongCherry]

Interesting interview with Nigel Davies http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/29/nigel-davies-gloucester-sacking-director-of-rugby?CMP=twt_gu

You always expect an air of criticism in such interviews, but I don't think he goes above and beyond what is necessary. I think he is right in that he inherited a bit of a mess as the club had singularly failed to make any notable investment during Brush's reign. Much of the plaudits the club are receiving at present must be attributed to Davies. All the outstanding signings were his. Whilst he didn't get Hook over the dotted line, he did start talks back in March. Likewise, the new scholarship scheme with Hartpury was his initiative and I am grateful for his input to the club.

There are a number of conspiracy theories flying around Glaws at the moment about the "real reason" he was sacked and some of them are rather unsavoury. I won't dignify those rumours, but will just say that it would be exceptionally naive to publicly state anything to the contrary as Davies has in this interview if there were any truth to the rumours and I just can't see Davies being that stupid. For me the simple reason he was sacked was due to how bad our performances were last season. Stooke and perhaps Dawiduik were the only forwards to improve their form from the previous season, whilst the rest went backwards. Likewise, Robson and Sharples in the backs. You can't have that level of underperformance and not be held accountable as a DoR.

[Welly]

you guys have any idea who this could be?

 Murphy talking about Tigers sevens team:
 We will have some guys on trial including a Fijian who used to be in Gloucester's Academy who we want to have a look at.

[HongKongCherry]

It could be Andrew Bulumakau - he is the only Fijian in the academy I can think off, but I thought he was still with us. Having checked our academy profiles he's not there. He played in the 7s competition last year and made a few A appearances. He's a powerful, quick winger, but can get lost in defence. He's definitely worth a look at, but if you guys let Purdy go I can't imagine you'd want him on a longer term basis.

[Welly]

Guess if Andrew Bulumakau has more potential in raw power that may be why the trial, Purdy was decent but I never thought he had the speed to be a top flight winger, and his handling can go missing to often to be a top flight O.Centre but i'm sure glous will help in his attacking play.

 Tigers does quite well with players in defence and if they can learn the system in attack they can get plenty of tries so will be interesting to see how he plays in the sevens if it is him. Maybe he can do a Scully.



 Interesting tweets between him and burns

 https://twitter.com/ABulumakau92/status/483261149337903104/photo/1

 Maybe Burns had a word with Leicester as sevens isn't really our thing so no harm in a trial.

[SirBurger]

Martyn Thomas is on trial with Irish. He came on for the second half in our win over Montpellier and had a couple of decent runs, although he did make one erratic pass. He could be a decent acquisition for us as cover for Homer.

[HongKongCherry]

His first season with us was rather hit and miss, but he was far, far better last year and a number of us were sad to see him not offered a contract. Having said that, he is not a full back. His defensive ability and kicking are just not up to the level needed. He played most of his games last season at wing and was very good there.

[Sponsored content]