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Gloucester Rugby

{{short description |Rugby club in Gloucester, England}}

{{about|the men's rugby union club|the women's team|Gloucester–Hartpury}}

{{Use British English|date=June 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}

{{Infobox rugby team

| teamname = Gloucester Rugby

| image = Gloucester_Rugby_(2018)_logo.svg

| imagesize = 175px

| union = Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union

| fullname = Gloucester Rugby

| nickname = Cherry and Whites

| location = Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England

| region = South West England

| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1873}}

| ground = Kingsholm Stadium

| capacity = 16,115

| chairman = Martin St Quinton

| ceo = Alex Brown

| rugby director = George Skivington

| captain = Lewis Ludlow

| appearances = Alan Brinn (574){{cite web |url=https://worldrugbymuseum.com/from-the-vaults/club-rugby/gloucester-rugby-the-players|title=GLOUCESTER RUGBY: THE PLAYERS|work=World Rugby Museum |date=28 March 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023}}

| top scorer = Ludovic Mercier (1325){{cite web |url=http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/points.php |title=Statistics|website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=6 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610185948/http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/points.php |archive-date=10 June 2017 |url-status=dead}}

| most tries = James Simpson-Daniel (118){{cite web |url=http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/tries.php |title=Statistics|website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=6 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610190014/http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/tries.php |archive-date=10 June 2017 |url-status=dead}}

| league = Premiership Rugby

| season = 2024–25

| position = 5th

| url = https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/

| pattern_la1 =

| pattern_b1 = _thin white horizontal

| pattern_ra1 =

| pattern_sh1 = _redsides

| pattern_so1 = 2 black

| leftarm1 = D2042D

| body1 = D2042D

| rightarm1 = D2042D

| shorts1 = 2b2b2b

| socks1 = D2042D

| pattern_name1 = Home

| pattern_la2 =

| pattern_b2 = _thin_black_hoops

| pattern_ra2 =

| pattern_sh2 = _blacksides

| pattern_so2 = _2 black stripes

| rightarm2 =

| leftarm2 =

| body2 =

| shorts2 =

| socks2 =

| pattern_name2 = Away

| pattern_la3 =

| pattern_b3 =

| pattern_ra3 =

| pattern_sh3 = _redsides

| pattern_so3 =

| rightarm3 = 000000

| leftarm3 = 000000

| body3 = 000000

| shorts3 = 000000

| socks3 = 000000

| pattern_name3 = European

| bigwin = Gloucester 103–3 Bucuresti
(Kingsholm Stadium)
29 October 2005 {{cite web |title=Gloucester Rugby - Statistics |url=https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/teams/gloucester/stats.html |website=It's Rugby |access-date=9 November 2023}}

| bigloss = Northampton 90–0 Gloucester
(Franklin's Gardens)
14 May 2024

}}

Gloucester Rugby are a professional rugby union club based in the West Country city of Gloucester, England. They play in Premiership Rugby, England's top division of rugby.

The club was formed in 1873 and since 1891 has played its home matches at Kingsholm Stadium in the north of the city. In the 2024–25 Premiership Rugby season, Gloucester finished 5th which earned them a space in the 2025–26 European Rugby Champions Cup. The current director of rugby (DOR) is George Skivington who took the role of head coach in the summer of 2020 before being promoted to DOR in the Autumn of 2023.

Gloucester have won 8 major titles; four RFU Knockout Cup's in 1971–72, 1977–78, 1981–82 and 2002–03, one Anglo-Welsh Cup win in 2010–11, and one Premiership Rugby Cup win in 2023–24. The Premiership Rugby Cup win in 2024 meant they became the first club to win all three iterations of the English domestic cup competition.{{cite web |last1=Hurcom |first1=Sophie |title=Premiership Rugby Cup final: Gloucester 23-13 Leicester: Gloucester clinch first trophy in nine years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68568282 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=15 March 2024 |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329152209/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68568282 |url-status=live }} Outside of England, Gloucester has also seen success in Europe's second-tier completion having won the EPCR Challenge Cup twice: in 2005–06 and 2014–15. Despite never winning a league title, Gloucester have finished runners-up on four occasions; 1988–89, 1989–90, 2002–03, and most recently in 2006–07.

The club has no official nickname but is referred to as the Cherry and Whites by supporters and the media in reference to the Cherry and white hooped shirts worn by the team. Matches with local rivals Bath and Bristol Bears are referred to as West Country derbies.

History

=Formation and early years=

The club was formed in 1873 after a meeting at the Spread Eagle Hotel with the announcement in the Gloucester Journal: "A football club (as rugby was then called) has been formed in this city – the season's operations begin at the Spa on the first Tuesday in next month."{{cite web|url=http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/1.19a_A_brief_history_of_GRFC.pdf|title=A brief history of GRFC|publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054915/http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/1.19a_A_brief_history_of_GRFC.pdf|url-status=dead}} a team was then organised to play the college school, which was actually played on the current Kingsholm ground.{{cite web|publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage|title=Club History – Through the decades.|url=http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/4.4a_Club_History_through_the_decades_notes.pdf|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221212859/http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/4.4a_Club_History_through_the_decades_notes.pdf|url-status=live}}

The club left the Spa after an argument with the cricket club that they were ground sharing with. During the winter, the Rugby Club had used a salt mixture to remove frost from the pitch, resulting in the death of the grass on the wicket. Gloucester were no longer welcome at the Spa ground.{{cite web |title=Club History - 1881 to 1918 |url=https://www.gloucesterac.co.uk/about-1/club-history/1881-to-1918/ |publisher=Gloucester Athletic Club |access-date=11 August 2020}} They then acquired lands from the Castle Grim Estate for £4,000 in 1891 & have played home fixtures at this site ever since, in the area known as Kingsholm.{{cite web |title=1891: Agreement for the Tenancy of the Castle Grim estate |url=https://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/content/places/kingsholm/1891-agreement-for-the-tenancy-of-the-castle-grim-estate |publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage |access-date=11 August 2020}}

class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

!colspan=20|Season Records 1873–1924

colspan=6|The Spa Ground Years, 1873–1891

|

!colspan=13|

Season

!Captain

!P

!W

!L

!D

!rowspan=19|

!Season

!Captain

!P

!W

!L

!D

!rowspan=19|

!Season

!Captain

!P

!W

!L

!D

1873-84

|rowspan=3|F. Hartley

|colspan=4 rowspan=3|No records

available

|1891-92

|T. Bagwell

|34

|24

|6

|4

|1909-10

|rowspan=4|A. Hudson

|38

|23

|8

|7

1874-75

|1892-93

|W. George

|30

|16

|11

|3

|1910-11

|40

|25

|13

|2

1875-76

|1893-94

|rowspan=2|J. Hanman

|29

|18

|10

|1

|1911-12

|40

|24

|12

|4

1876-77

|rowspan=7|J. F. Brown

|11

|6

|3

|2

|1894-95

|28

|14

|11

|3

|1912-13

|39

|21

|14

|4

1877-78

|15

|10

|3

|2

|1895-96

|C. Williams

|26

|8

|12

|6

|1913-14

|G. Halford

|37

|25

|10

|2

1878-79

|15

|10

|3

|2

|1896-97

|rowspan=4|W. H. Taylor

|31

|18

|8

|5

|1914-15

|colspan=5 rowspan=5|No fixtures due to WW1

1879-80

|16

|14

|2

|0

|1897-98

|35

|24

|5

|6

|1915-16

1880-81

|13

|7

|3

|3

|1898-99

|34

|27

|6

|1

|1916-17

1881-82

|19

|14

|5

|0

|1899-1900

|32

|23

|7

|2

|1917-18

1882-83

|14

|11

|0

|3

|1900-01

|rowspan=4|G. Romans

|34

|24

|5

|5

|1918-19

1883-84

|rowspan=2|H. J. Boughton

|19

|15

|2

|2

|1901-02

|34

|24

|7

|3

|1919-20

|G. Halford

|33

|19

|12

|2

1884-85

|20

|11

|7

|2

|1902-03

|35

|19

|15

|1

|1920-21

|F. Webb

|37

|25

|10

|2

1885-86

|rowspan=4|T. G. Smith

|17

|13

|3

|1

|1903-04

|34

|18

|14

|2

|1921-22

|S. Smart

|41

|24

|14

|3

1886-87

|19

|10

|7

|2

|1904-05

|G. Romans & W. Johns

|32

|23

|11

|2

|1922-23

|F. W. Ayliffe

|43

|27

|13

|3

1887-88

|19

|10

|6

|3

|1905-06

|W. Johns

|37

|26

|8

|3

|1923-24

|T. Millington

|49

|24

|14

|1

1888-89

|22

|14

|3

|5

|1906-07

|D. R. Gent

|34

|21

|11

|2

|colspan=6 rowspan=3|

1889-90

|C. E. Brown

|25

|14

|8

|3

|1907-08

|G. Vears

|34

|23

|9

|2

1890-91

|T. Bagwell

|26

|21

|2

|3

|1908-09

|A. Hudson

|37

|23

|10

|4

=Continued successes and the dawn of professionalism=

In 1972, Gloucester RFC won the first-ever National Knock-Out Competition. Having beaten Bath, Bristol, London Welsh and Coventry (all away from home) in earlier rounds, they beat Moseley in a Twickenham final that was marred by violence and the sending off of Moseley's Nigel Horton.

In 1978, Gloucester RFC won the first ever John Player Cup, defeating Leicester Tigers in another final noted for violent play both on and off the pitch at Twickenham Stadium.

Despite the two cup wins of the 1970s, and a shared trophy in 1982, Gloucester were soon to find themselves in the shadow of Bath, the rising force from down the A46.

In 1989, Gloucester came close to winning the 'double' but failed to win either competition, losing to Wasps for the league title and losing the cup final 48–6 to Bath.

Professionalism finally came in 1995, but Gloucester was without a major investor, and lost ground in terms of player recruitment and revenue acquisition. But this did not prevent the club from transforming itself into a limited company.

=The early professional era=

Tom Walkinshaw bought the club in 1997. After two full seasons at the helm, Richard Hill was replaced as director of rugby by former France captain Philippe Saint-André.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-playing-and-paying-guide-to-the-prospects-of-the-premiership-clubs-1174922.html|title=Rugby Union: Playing and Paying: Guide to the Prospects of the Premiership Clubs|author=Trow, Paul|work=The Independent|date=29 August 1998|access-date=19 May 2018}}

In 1999–2000, a third-place finish took Gloucester into the Heineken Cup. With Phil Vickery, Trevor Woodman, Kingsley Jones and former All Black Ian Jones forming the basis of a formidable pack, Gloucester reached the semi-finals.

In 2003, Gloucester won their first cup in 25 years, under new coach Nigel Melville.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/apr/07/rugbyunion.gloucesterrugby|title=Gloucester given hope by cup win amid financial ruins|author=Kitson, Robert|work=The Guardian|date=6 April 2003|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327183913/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/apr/07/rugbyunion.gloucesterrugby|url-status=live}}

During the 2002–03 season, Gloucester finished the league in first place, 15 points ahead of the next best club. Under the new Premiership playoff system, Gloucester were required to play a single knock-out match to determine the Premiership champions. Despite a significant rest period of three weeks, Gloucester lost the final to Wasps and have thus never been crowned English domestic champions. Melville left the club and was replaced by Dean Ryan for the 2005–06 season.

At the start of the 2005 season, owner Tom Walkinshaw made several changes to modernise the club. 'Gloucester Rugby Football Club' was renamed 'Gloucester Rugby' and, due to copyright issues, no longer used the City Coat of Arms as the club's crest (as the crest didn't belong to the club, so unofficial merchandise was freely available).

The 2005–06 season saw an improvement in the club's fortunes, although they did not qualify for the play-offs, they were strong contenders and lost out on the last day of the regular season. They also won silverware in the European Challenge Cup, defeating London Irish in a final that went into extra time.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/european/4989032.stm|title=Gloucester 36-34 London Irish|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|date=21 May 2006|access-date=19 May 2018}}

Gloucester finished 1st in the 2006–07 Premiership table. Both Leicester and Gloucester tied with 71 points, but Gloucester gained first place with more games won.{{cite news|title=Tigers' irresistible force points to treble destiny|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/may/14/rugbyunion.sport|date=14 May 2007|access-date=19 May 2018|author=Kitson, Robert}} Gloucester defeated Saracens in the semi-final at Kingsholm, 50–9, and faced Leicester Tigers in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/5.1b_Creating_your_own_class_GRFC_timeline2.pdf|title=Creating your own class GRFC timeline|publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage|access-date=19 May 2018}} Gloucester lost 44–16.

=2008–present=

Martin St Quinton, an office equipment and telecoms entrepreneur {{Cite web|url=https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/about/racecourse-committee/|title = Racecourse Committee}} acquired 25% of the club in 2008, and became vice chairman, with a focus on increasing sponsorship and other non-playing related areas.{{cite news|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Gloucester-investor-St-Quinton-targets-Kingsholm-expansion/story-11288175-detail/story.html|title=Gloucester investor St Quinton targets Kingsholm expansion|work=Bristol Post|date=21 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819131721/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Gloucester-investor-St-Quinton-targets-Kingsholm-expansion/story-11288175-detail/story.html|archive-date=19 August 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/citydiary/5523996/Plenty-of-problems-for-St-Quinton-to-tackle.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/citydiary/5523996/Plenty-of-problems-for-St-Quinton-to-tackle.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Plenty of problems for St Quinton to tackle|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=13 June 2009|access-date=19 May 2018}}{{cbignore}}

Gloucester Rugby began the 2007–08 Guinness Premiership campaign as favourites, and came top of the league to book a place in the play-off semi-final at Kingsholm. Leicester Tigers won the match 25–26, marking Gloucester's third Premiership play-off defeat.{{cite news|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/gloucester/7395892.stm|title=Gloucester 25-26 Leicester|date=18 May 2008|access-date=19 May 2018}}

Gloucester reached the EDF Energy Cup Final in the 2008–09 season, losing to Cardiff at Twickenham.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/18/cardiff-gloucester-edf-cup-final|title=Cardiff Blues demolish Gloucester to claim EDF trophy|work=The Guardian|date=18 April 2009|access-date=19 May 2018}}

On 11 June 2009, Dean Ryan left Gloucester by mutual consent and was replaced by Bryan Redpath as their new head coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/5507809/Gloucester-replace-Dean-Ryan-with-Bryan-Redpath.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/5507809/Gloucester-replace-Dean-Ryan-with-Bryan-Redpath.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|publisher=Telegraph|title=Gloucester replace Dean Ryan with Bryan Redpath|date=11 June 2009|access-date=30 July 2020}}{{cbignore}}

Tragedy struck the club on 12 December 2010, when popular club owner Tom Walkinshaw died from cancer at the age of 64.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/gloucester/9280301.stm|title=Gloucester mourn owner Tom Walkinshaw|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|date=12 December 2010|access-date=19 May 2018}} David McKnight was appointed non-executive chairman in April 2011, who guided Tom's son Ryan, who inherited the club. A memorial service held at Gloucester Cathedral for Tom was attended by hundreds of fans.{{cite news|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|date=19 April 2011|access-date=19 May 2018|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/gloucester/9462020.stm|title=Gloucester name David McKnight as new chairman}}

Gloucester won the Anglo-Welsh cup in the 2010–11 season, beating Newcastle Falcons 34–7 in the final at Franklins' Gardens.{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/anglowelshcup-2010-11/rugby/story/136801.html|title=Gloucester claim Anglo-Welsh Cup|publisher=ESPN|date=20 March 2011|access-date=19 May 2018}} They also made the Premiership play-offs this season, losing in the Semi-final to Saracens at Vicarage Road.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/15/saracens-gloucester-premiership-semi-final|title=Jacques Burger gives Saracens the edge over Gloucester in semi-final|work=The Guardian|author=Kitson, Robert|date=15 May 2011|access-date=19 May 2018}}

On 17 April 2012, Bryan Redpath announced his resignation as Gloucester head coach with immediate effect, months before the end of the 2011–12 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/bryan-redpath-resigns-as-gloucester-head-coach-7654636.html|publisher=Independent|title=Bryan Redpath resigns as Gloucester head coach|date=17 April 2012|access-date=30 July 2020}} In June 2012, Gloucester announced former Scarlets coach Nigel Davies as their new director of rugby.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/18297015|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Nigel Davies named as Gloucester coach after leaving Scarlets|date=2 June 2012|access-date=30 July 2020}}

On 13 November 2012, Gloucester hosted an International match against Fiji as part of the 2012 Autumn Internationals. The match was held at Kingsholm Stadium and Gloucester won 31–29.{{cite news|url=https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/featured-post/5032/young-gloucester-side-wins-thriller-against-fiji/|author=Verdier, Nick|title=Young Gloucester side wins thriller against Fiji|work=Autumn Internationals|publisher=The Rugby Paper|date=14 November 2012|access-date=19 May 2018}} On 12 November 2013, Gloucester hosted an International match against Japan, as part of the 2013 Autumn Internationals. Gloucester won 40–5.{{cite news|url=http://www.planetrugby.com/news/gloucester-thrash-japan-xv/|publisher=Planet Rugby|title=Gloucester thrash Japan XV|date=13 November 2013|access-date=19 May 2018}}

After two poor seasons towards the end of the 2013–14 season, Nigel Davies departed Gloucester with immediate effect.{{cite news|url=https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/16321/gloucester-sack-nigel-davies/|publisher=The Rugby Paper|title=Gloucester sack Nigel Davies|date=12 May 2014|access-date=30 July 2020}} On 7 June 2014, Gloucester appointed David Humphreys as their new director of rugby, with Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher confirmed as their head coach as of July 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2014/06/07/gloucester-rugby-appoint-david-humphreys-as-director-of-rugby/|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|title=GLOUCESTER APPOINT DAVID HUMPHREYS AS DIRECTOR OF RUGBY|date=12 June 2014|access-date=30 July 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2014/07/02/gloucester-rugby-confirm-laurie-fisher-as-clubs-new-head-coach/|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|title=GLOUCESTER RUGBY CONFIRM LAURIE FISHER AS CLUB'S NEW HEAD COACH|date=2 July 2014|access-date=30 July 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} During the 2014–15 season, Gloucester won the European Rugby Challenge Cup at Twickenham Stoop, beating Edinburgh 19–13 in the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/32515291|author=Mitchell, Brendon|date=1 May 2015|title=European Challenge Cup final: Edinburgh 13-19 Gloucester|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|access-date=19 May 2018}}

In 2016, Martin St Quinton acquired 100% full ownership of the club to become the new chairman of Gloucester Rugby with immediate effect.{{cite news|url=https://www.premiershiprugby.com/news/martin-st-quinton-takes-full-ownership-of-gloucester-rugby/|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|title=Martin St Quinton takes full ownership of Gloucester Rugby|date=15 February 2016|access-date=19 May 2018}}

On 6 March 2017, Laurie Fisher left Gloucester by mutual consent before the end of the 2016–17 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39187396|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Laurie Fisher: Gloucester head coach leaves Premiership club|date=6 March 2017|access-date=30 July 2020}} On 3 April 2017, he was replaced by Lions coach Johan Ackermann as Gloucester's new head coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2017/04/03/johan-ackermann-named-as-gloucester-rugby-head-coach/|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|title=JOHAN ACKERMANN NAMED AS GLOUCESTER RUGBY HEAD COACH|date=3 April 2017|access-date=30 July 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} During the 2016–17 season, Gloucester reach the final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup, losing 17–25 to Stade Francais at Murrayfield.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/39857187|author=Mitchell, Brendon|title=European Challenge Cup final: Gloucester 17-25 Stade Francais|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|date=12 May 2017|access-date=19 May 2018}} During the 2017–18 season, Gloucester reach the final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup, marking three European finals in four seasons, but lost to Cardiff 31–30 at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao.{{cite web|url=https://www.premiershiprugby.com/2017-2018/challenge-cup-final-preview-gloucester-rugby-v-cardiff-blues/|title=Challenge Cup Final preview: Gloucester Rugby v Cardiff Blues|publisher=Premiership Rugby|date=10 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}

On 15 May 2020, Johan Ackermann announced his departure from Gloucester to become the new head coach at NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes based in Japan.{{cite news|url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2020/05/15/club-statement-johan-ackermann/|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|title=GLOUCESTER RUGBY ANNOUNCE THE DEPARTURE OF HEAD COACH JOHAN ACKERMANN|date=15 May 2020|access-date=30 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629050912/https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2020/05/15/club-statement-johan-ackermann/|url-status=dead}} On 2 June 2020, David Humphreys announced he will leave Gloucester after six seasons as their director of rugby, a month after Ackermann's departure.{{cite news|url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2020/06/02/david-humphreys-to-leave-gloucester-rugby/|title=DAVID HUMPHREYS TO LEAVE GLOUCESTER RUGBY|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|date=2 June 2020|access-date=30 July 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 27 June 2020, Gloucester announced London Irish Forwards Coach George Skivington as their new head coach, with Alex Brown promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer. This meant Skivington would handle the playing side of his new job whilst Brown focused on rugby related matters like recruitment and regulatory issues at Gloucester.{{cite news|url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2020/06/27/gloucester-rugby-announce-the-appointment-of-george-skivington-as-head-coach/|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|title=GLOUCESTER RUGBY ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF GEORGE SKIVINGTON AS HEAD COACH|date=27 June 2020|access-date=30 July 2020|archive-date=5 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905045139/https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/2020/06/27/gloucester-rugby-announce-the-appointment-of-george-skivington-as-head-coach/|url-status=dead}}

In July 2023, Brown was appointed interim CEO following the resignation of Lance Bradley.{{Cite news |title=Lance Bradley: Gloucester chief executive leaves Premiership club |work=BBC Sport |date=14 July 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66199077 |access-date=16 July 2023}} In September 2023, the club announced a number of promotions after a board meeting in August, Brown was appointment CEO following the interim period and Skivington promoted to Director of Rugby meaning he will have responsibility over the entire playing department with no effect to his role as head coach.{{cite news |title=Alex Brown appointed Gloucester Rugby Chief Executive Officer|url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/news/alex-brown-appointed-gloucester-rugby-chief-executive-officer |website=Gloucester Rugby | date=4 September 2023 | access-date=4 September 2023}} Gloucester finished the 2024-25 season in 5th, narrowly missing out on the play-offs by 2 points.{{cite web |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Luke |title=Cotgreave hat-trick gives Gloucester win over Northampton but no playoff berth |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/31/gloucester-northampton-premiership-rugby-union-match-report |website=The Guardian |access-date=4 June 2025 |date=31 May 2025}} The fith placed finish earned them a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup for the first time since the 2022–23 iteration.

Women's team

{{Main|Gloucester–Hartpury}}

In 2014, Gloucester Rugby and Hartpury College came together to found Gloucester–Hartpury Women's Rugby Football Club. They are run under the jurisdiction of Gloucester Rugby. Gloucester–Hartpury have won the 2016–17 season of the Women's Championship Midlands 2 as well as Premiership Women's Rugby three times, with the latter being the highest level of women's rugby union in England.{{cite news | url=https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/search-results?team=8668&season=2016-2017#table | title=cester-Hartpury Women's RFC Table 2016-2017 | publisher=Rugby Football Union | date= | access-date=10 July 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Latham-Coyle |first1=Harry |title=Gloucester-Hartpury complete PWR three-peat to give coach Sean Lynn fitting farewell |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/pwr-final-result-score-saracens-gloucester-hartpury-sean-lynn-b2716150.html |website=The Independent |access-date=4 June 2025 |date=16 March 2025}}

Stadium

{{Main|Kingsholm Stadium}}

Gloucester Rugby plays home matches at Kingsholm Stadium. The club left the Spa Ground for Kingsholm when it bought an area of the Castle Grim Estate for £4,000 in 1891. In that year, Gloucester Rugby Football Club opened the "Sixpenny" stand, which later became known as the Shed.

Kingsholm's capacity was further increased to 20,000 in 1926 when a grandstand was added to the stadium at a cost of £2,500, containing 1,750 seats. However, six years later, it was destroyed by fire. There were plans proposed to increase the seating capacity of the stadium to 7,000. However, it remained a proposal, although the grandstand was replaced, terracing in the Sixpenny, and at the Tummp end was preferred, and indeed, more affordable in the early 20th century.{{cite web|publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage|url=http://gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/4.8a_History.pdf|title=History of Gloucester Rugby Ground|access-date=19 May 2018}}

Like the clubs of the Welsh mining valleys, Gloucester Rugby traditionally drew its support and its playing strength from local working-class communities. The Shed, so-called because it looks like a cow shed, became known as such in the 1950s. Gloucester Rugby's fanzine, 'Shed Head' refers to it as 'the cauldron of fear'. The Shed is a standing-only terracing that runs continuously down one touchline, opposite the point where visiting teams emerge from the dressing rooms. Its low tin roof amplifies the effect of passionate support which has been mentioned by commentators sitting above it during live broadcasts. This, together with a historically good home record, contributes to the ground also being nicknamed 'Castle Grim'.

In October 2003, Gloucester Rugby launched 'Project Kingsholm'. 'The Kingsholm Supporters Mutual' (KSM) was set up by Gloucester Rugby Football Club in October 2003, to help fundraise towards 'Project Kingsholm', the redevelopment of Gloucester's entire ground at a cost of £6,000,000, and the launch of a supporters shares rights issue.{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/story/48420.html|title=Gloucester launch Project Kingsholm|publisher=ESPN|date=25 September 2003|access-date=19 May 2018}} The idea was to be similar to the development at Franklins Gardens, home of Northampton Saints RFC, although on a bigger scale, incorporating both seating and terracing. Despite the KSM meeting the fundraising targets, Gloucester Rugby abandoned all plans.

In 2006, the club announced it would be making an extension to Kingsholm, bringing the stadium capacity up to 16,500. This was mainly to comply with Premier Rugby's minimum seat number requirements. The old main Grandstand (which was both terracing and seating) was later replaced by a new all seater structure, while terracing on the Worcester Street end of the ground was developed into an all seater stand, known as the 'Buildbase' stand at the time.

In January 2007, the club announced plans to redevelop The Shed terracing to all seater. This was intended to enable the entire stadium to become all-seating. A large number of supporters did not want to see this happen under the proposals put forward by Gloucester Rugby, and a poster campaign under the name of 'Save Our Shed' or 'SOS' was initiated by the Gloucester Citizen newspaper. Posters were held up by supporters standing in the Shed, on camera during a televised Heineken Cup match against Leinster at Kingsholm. T-shirts were also made independently by supporters, with the slogan 'Save Our Shed' printed on them. The campaign did not protest the redevelopment of the Shed, rather the plans put forward at the time, which were to replace all terracing with seats, leaving no alternative anywhere in the ground, despite such a large demand for terracing.

In September 2008, chairman Tom Walkinshaw confirmed there were plans for the Shed to be redeveloped, but it would remain as a terrace (with an increased capacity of 6,000), with hospitality units above it.{{cite news|access-date=19 May 2018|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/gloucester/7605742.stm|title=Walkinshaw's plan for the shed|date=9 September 2008}} However, as of the 2010–11 season, the need and desire for redeveloping the Shed decreased with the above-mentioned plans proving to be conjecture, and as such abandoned, have never come into effect and do not appear to for the foreseeable future.

2007 also saw the club reject the proposal of a new 20,000 all seater stadium in an area of the city nicknamed 'The Railway Triangle'. This was intended to be shared with the local football side. Kingsholm was also suggested in October 2007 as a possible temporary home for Gloucester City after their stadium Meadow Park was flooded and then abandoned following the summer floods. This move was, however, rejected by Gloucester Rugby Chairman, Tom Walkinshaw.{{cite web|url=http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/4.4c_History_of_Kingsholm.pdf|title=History of Gloucester Rugby Ground|publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage|access-date=19 May 2018}}

In 2017, Gloucester Rugby announced that the Kingsholm Stadium will include a megastore and even museum.{{cite news|author=Iles, Robert|url=https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gloucester-rugby-plan-make-improvements-433171|title=Gloucester Rugby plan new megastore and even museum in major Kingsholm changes|date=6 September 2017|access-date=19 May 2018}}

Colours

{{Football kit box|align=right|pattern_la=_red_hoops|pattern_b=_whitehoops|pattern_ra=_red_hoops|leftarm=FFFFFF|body=D2042D|rightarm=FFFFFF|shorts=00005A|socks=00005A|title=Gloucester Rugby's traditional colours.}}

File:Gloucester Rugby logo.svg

File:Gloucester Rugby 150 years logo (2023).png

According to local legend, it was decided that the club's colour was to be entirely navy blue, yet on an away trip they realised they had forgotten to bring sufficient Navy strip for the entire team. Travelling en route via Painswick, they stopped off at the local rugby club and asked to borrow a strip. Painswick RFC loaned them 15 of their cherry-and-white jerseys, the Gloucester side went on to win the away fixture and failed to return the shirts to Painswick, adopting the colours as their own. In 2003, to celebrate Gloucester RFC's 130th anniversary, Gloucester RFC returned the favour and donated Painswick RFC an entire new set of first team colours. Painswick RFC refer to themselves as "The Original Cherry and Whites" in reference to the incident.{{Cite web|url=https://painswickrfc.org/history/|title=Painswick RFC|website=painswickrfc.org|access-date=6 September 2023|archive-date=6 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906210312/https://painswickrfc.org/history/|url-status=dead}}

For the start of the 2000–01 season, the club introduced new shirts which no longer featured the cherry-and-white hoops, instead featuring a largely red shirt with white sleeves.{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldrugbyshirts.com/en/teams/g/gloucester/shirt-s4569.html|title=Gloucester rugby shirt 2000 – 2001}}

The hoops returned in the 2001–02 season, with thin white hoops.{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldrugbyshirts.com/en/teams/g/gloucester/shirt-s1904.html|title=Gloucester rugby shirt 2001 – 2002}} In the 2005–06 season, the club moved away from traditional hoops again. The New Jersey was predominantly red, with white panelling on the side in a 'ladder' effect.{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldrugbyshirts.com/en/teams/g/gloucester/shirt-s2873.html|title=Gloucester rugby shirt 2005 – 2007}} This was dubbed the 'Spiderman' or 'Arsenal' kit by supporters. The new kit also abandoned the traditional navy blue shorts and socks, with the new design becoming all red. On the release of the 2005–06 shirt there was a degree of disappointment in Gloucester Rugby's decision to move away from the hooped jersey again (a design generally associated with traditional rugby shirts), as this was a dramatic move away from the classic Gloucester Rugby design. After the new 2005–06 shirt was released, 'Hudsons & Co' of Gloucester city centre, released a classic, plain cherry-and-white-hooped Gloucester Rugby jersey, manufactured by Cotton Traders (who supplied Gloucester Rugby jerseys prior to the 2007–08 season, when the manufacture of kit was taken over by RugbyTech), albeit an unofficial jersey which is not associated with the club, the shirt proved popular with fans unhappy with the official shirt. On the back of this success, many of the Public Houses in the Kingsholm area also began selling shirts with the classic hoops. Although these shirts do not display the name 'Gloucester Rugby', due to copyright, the Hudson variety were labelled 'Gloucester Rugby Football Club' while the pub versions used the title 'Cherry and Whites'. Both designs used the traditional cherry-and-white hoops, with the title under the Gloucester city coat of arms. As such many of the fans who disapproved of the new original design were able to purchase this classic design instead.{{cite web |title=Gloucester Rugby Shirts through time |url=https://d2eq6t2r9q1quu.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/cms/e/Example_of_Gloucester_rugby_shirts_through_time.pdf |publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage |access-date=11 August 2020}}

A number of fans commented on the irony that, whilst the new crest and shirt design were originally designed in order to prevent unofficial merchandise, they have in fact increased the number of fans turning to unofficial shirts. Gloucester Rugby released its own, official, supporters shirt displaying the classic hooped design with the new club crest above the date of the club's inception '1873'. For the start of the 2009–10 season, the club returned the first team jersey design to the cherry-and-white hoops.

In 2018, Gloucester revealed a new logo.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/44148240|title=Gloucester reveal new logo – and will replace old tattoos|department=BBC Sport|work=BBC News|date=16 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018}}

Kits

For many years, Cotton Oxford and Cotton Traders provided the playing kits for Gloucester. Between the 2007–08 and the 2010–11 seasons, RugbyTech supplied their kits, and between the 2011–12 season and the 2015-16 Kooga supplied the kits. Australian kit manufacturer XBlades were the provider, between the 2016–17 and 2018–19 seasons.{{cite news|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/gloucester_rugby_confirm_x_blades_as_kit_supplier|title=Gloucester Rugby confirm X-Blades as kit supplier|author=Jones-Davies, Ross|publisher=SportsPro Media|date=1 April 2015|access-date=19 May 2018}} From the 2019–20 season onwards Oxen Sports supplied the kit.{{Cite web|last=Iles|first=Robert|date=6 June 2019|title=Gloucester will have new kit next season with Oxen on board|url=https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gloucester-rugby-new-kit-next-2948481|access-date=10 January 2022|website=Gloucestershire Live}}

As of the 2024–25 season, BiGDUG, a Gloucester-based shelving company are the front-of-shirt sponsor.{{Cite web |title=New main sponsor for Gloucester Rugby revealed |url=https://www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aanews/new-main-sponsor-for-gloucester-rugby-revealed |access-date=10 January 2022 |website=Punchline Gloucester}} Hartpury appears on each shoulder. Kärcher feature on the lower back of the shirt as well as on the back of the playing shorts. For the European shirt, Malvern Tyres replace BiGDUG as the front-of-shirt sponsor.{{cite web |title=2024/25 Euro shirt revealed, sponsored by Malvern Tyres |url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/content/2024-25-euro-shirt-revealed-sponsored-by-malvern-tyres |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=21 February 2025 |date=23 November 2024}}

In February 2023, Gloucester announced that for the first Slater Cup game held at Kingsholm that they would play in a limited edition Slater Cup shirt. The club also announced that £10 from every shirt sold would go directly to the Slater family to aid Ed's treatment, and adaptations to his home and provide valuable financial support to his family following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2022.{{cite web |title=Gloucester Rugby unveil limited edition Slater Cup shirt |url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/content/gloucester-rugby-unveil-limited-edition-slater-cup-shirt |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=21 February 2025 |date=21 February 2023}}

The shirt was designed by Ed and his family, and contains touches such as '4Dad' above the club logo, while the classic cherries of the 'Cherry & Whites' also appear on the bottom of the shirt. The Slater Cup trophy is on the left sleeve, while a portrait of Ed appears on the right. The classic Gloucester Rugby red remains as the core colour of the new strip, with the number 4, Ed's position, placed on the front. It was used in Slater Cup fixtures for two seasons.

Nickname

Gloucester are referred to by fans and media alike as the Cherry and Whites, a reference to the club's colours. Although this is not an official nickname, the club themselves regularly use the nickname in marketing and community messaging, as well as the players through social media.{{cite web|title=Gloucester Rugby Shirts through time|publisher=Gloucester Rugby Heritage|access-date=19 May 2018|url=http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/Example_of_Gloucester_rugby_shirts_through_time.pdf}} In the early 2010s, the club released an official fan shirt with imagery of cherries and the city's Cathedral on. The history of this nickname being used can be traced to local media references in the 1920s, when the nickname the "Red and Whites" was used, before evolving into the now familiar "Cherry and Whites" nickname during the 1950s/60s.{{cite web|url=http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/G002-2487-Gloucester-Rugby-EXTERNAL-Brand-Guidelines-AW-2-72dpi.pdf|title=Brand Guidelines|version=1|publisher=Gloucester Rugby|date=15 May 2018|access-date=19 May 2018|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520060240/http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/G002-2487-Gloucester-Rugby-EXTERNAL-Brand-Guidelines-AW-2-72dpi.pdf|url-status=dead}}

In 2005, the club decided to abandon its "Cherry and Whites" nickname and changed themselves to Lions instead but no official change was made during the year.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/oct/01/rugbyunion.sport|author=Rees, Paul|title=Gloucester want to rebrand cherry and whites as lions|work=The Guardian|date=30 September 2005|access-date=19 May 2018}}

Another unofficial nickname for the club was "The Elver Eaters',[http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/documents/810930.pdf Gloucester Rugby Football Club] Retrieved 19 May 2018. although that name is a distant memory mused over by the club's oldest and longest supporters.

Season summaries

class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;"
colspan="1" |

! colspan="4" | Premiership

! colspan="2" | Domestic Cup

! colspan="2" | European Cup

style="text-align:center; width:8%;"|Season

! style="text-align:center; width:20%;"|Competition

! style="text-align:center; width:7%;"|Final Position

! style="text-align:center; width:7%;"|Points

! style="text-align:center; width:10%;"| Play-Offs

! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Competition

! style="text-align:center; width:9%;"|Performance

! style="text-align:center; width:15%;"|Competition

! style="text-align:center; width:9%;"|Performance

1987–88

| Courage League Division 1

| 5th

| 29

| N/A

| John Player Cup

| 4th round

| No competition

| N/A

1988–89

| style="background: silver"|Courage League Division 1

| style="background: silver"|2nd

| style="background: silver"|15

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| Semi-final

| No competition

| N/A

1989–90

| style="background: silver"|Courage League Division 1

| style="background: silver"|2nd

| style="background: silver"|17

| N/A

| style="background: silver"|Pilkington Cup

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

| No competition

| N/A

1990–91

| Courage League Division 1

| 6th

| 12

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| 4th round

| No competition

| N/A

1991–92

| Courage League Division 1

| 4th

| 15

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| Semi-final

| No competition

| N/A

1992–93

| Courage League Division 1

| 5th

| 12

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| 3rd round

| No competition

| N/A

1993–94

| Courage League Division 1

| 8th

| 14

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| Quarter-final

| No competition

| N/A

1994–95

| Courage League Division 1

| 7th

| 13

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| 4th round

| No competition

| N/A

1995–96

| Courage League Division 1

| 8th

| 12

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| Semi-final

| No English teams

| N/A

1996–97

| Courage League Division 1

| 7th

| 23

| N/A

| Pilkington Cup

| Semi-final

| Challenge Cup

| 4th in pool

rowspan=2| 1997–98

| rowspan=2|Allied Dunbar Premiership

| rowspan=2|6th

| rowspan=2|23

| rowspan=2|N/A

| Tetley's Bitter Cup

| 5th round

| rowspan=2|Challenge Cup

| rowspan=2|Quarter-final

style="background: gold"|C&G Cup

| style="background: gold"|Champions

rowspan=2|1998–99

| rowspan=2|Allied Dunbar Premiership

| rowspan=2|10th

| rowspan=2|19

| rowspan=2|N/A

| Tetley's Bitter Cup

| Semi-final

| rowspan=2| No English teams

| rowspan=2|N/A

style="background: gold"|C&G Cup

| style="background: gold"|Champions

1999–2000

| Allied Dunbar Premiership

| 3rd

| 40

| N/A

| Tetley's Bitter Cup

| Quarter-final

| Challenge Cup

| 2nd in pool

2000–01

| Zurich Premiership

| 7th

| 48

| N/A

| Tetley's Bitter Cup

| 5th round

| Heineken Cup

| Semi-final

2001–02

| Zurich Premiership

| 3rd

| 68

| N/A

| Powergen Cup

| Quarter-final

| Challenge Cup

| Semi-final

2002–03

| style="background: silver"|Zurich Premiership

| style="background: silver"|1st

| style="background: silver"|82

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

| style="background: gold"|Powergen Cup

| style="background: gold"|Champions

| Heineken Cup

| 3rd in pool

2003–04

| Zurich Premiership

| 4th

| 63

| -

| Powergen Cup

| 6th round

| Heineken Cup

| Quarter-final

2004–05

| Zurich Premiership

| 6th

| 47

| -

| Powergen Cup

| Semi-final

| Heineken Cup

| 2nd in pool

2005–06

| Guinness Premiership

| 5th

| 59

| -

| Powergen Cup

| 2nd in pool

| style="background: gold"|Challenge Cup

| style="background: gold"|Champions

2006–07

| style="background: silver"|Guinness Premiership

| style="background: silver"|1st

| style="background: silver"|71

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

| EDF Energy Cup

| 2nd in pool

| Heineken Cup

| 3rd in pool

2007–08

| Guinness Premiership

| 1st

| 74

| Semi-final

| EDF Energy Cup

| 2nd in pool

| Heineken Cup

| Quarter-final

2008–09

| Guinness Premiership

| 6th

| 57

| -

| style="background: silver"|EDF Energy Cup

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

| Heineken Cup

| 3rd in pool

2009–10

| Guinness Premiership

| 7th

| 48

| -

| style="background: silver"|LV= Cup

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

| Challenge Cup*

| Quarter-final*

2010–11

| Aviva Premiership

| 3rd

| 67

| Semi-final

| style="background: gold"|LV= Cup

| style="background: gold"|Champions

| Challenge Cup

| 2nd in pool

2011–12

| Aviva Premiership

| 9th

| 44

| -

| LV= Cup

| 3rd in pool

| Heineken Cup

| 3rd in pool

2012–13

| Aviva Premiership

| 5th

| 60

| -

| LV= Cup

| 4th in pool

| Challenge Cup

| Quarter-final

2013–14

| Aviva Premiership

| 9th

| 44

| -

| LV= Cup

| 2nd in pool

| Challenge Cup*

| Quarter-final*

2014–15

| Aviva Premiership

| 9th

| 48

| -

| LV= Cup

| 2nd in pool

| style="background: gold"|Challenge Cup

| style="background: gold"|Champions

2015–16

| Aviva Premiership

| 8th

| 49

| -

| No competition

| N/A

| Challenge Cup

| Quarter-final

2016–17

| Aviva Premiership

| 9th

| 46

| -

| Anglo-Welsh Cup

| 2nd in pool

| style="background: silver"|Challenge Cup

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

2017–18

| Aviva Premiership

| 7th

| 56

| -

| Anglo-Welsh Cup

| 2nd in pool

| style="background: silver"|Challenge Cup

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

2018–19

| Gallagher Premiership

| 3rd

| 68

| Semi-final

| Premiership Cup

| 3rd in pool

| Champions Cup

| 4th in pool

2019–20

| Gallagher Premiership

| 7th

| 46

| –

| Premiership Cup

| 4th in pool

| Champions Cup

| 2nd in pool

2020–21

| Gallagher Premiership

| 11th

| 45

| –

| No competition

| N/A

| Champions Cup

| Round of 16

2021–22

| Gallagher Premiership

| 5th

| 73

| –

| Premiership Cup

| Semi-final

| Challenge Cup

| Quarter-final

2022–23

| Gallagher Premiership

| 10th

| 41

| –

| Premiership Cup

| 2nd in pool

| Champions Cup

| Round of 16

2023–24

| Gallagher Premiership

| 9th

| 32

| –

|style="background: gold"|Premiership Cup

|style="background: gold"|Champions

| style="background: silver"| Challenge Cup

| style="background: silver"|Runners-up

2024–25

| Gallagher Premiership

| 5th

| 56

| –

|Premiership Rugby Cup

|Quarter-final

|Challenge Cup

| Quarter-final

Gold background denotes champions
Silver background denotes runners-up
Pink background denotes relegated

* After dropping into the competition from the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup

Club honours

=Gloucester Rugby=

=Gloucester United=

=Sevens=

Current squad

{{for|player movements before or during the 2025–26 season|List of 2025–26 Premiership Rugby transfers#Gloucester}}

The Gloucester Rugby squad for the upcoming 2025–26 season is:{{cite web |title=Cherry & Whites confirm 2025/26 playing squad |url=https://gloucesterrugby.co.uk/content/cherry-whites-confirm-2025-26-playing-squad |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=18 June 2025 |date=18 June 2025}}

{{rugby squad start}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Seb Blake}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Jack Innard}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Jack Singleton}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ESP | pos=PR | name=Jono Benz-Salomon}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Afolabi Fasogbon}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Jamal Ford-Robinson}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=RUS | pos=PR | name=Kirill Gotovtsev}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Ciaran Knight}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=NZL | pos=PR | name=Nepo Laulala}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Archie McArthur}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=GEO | pos=PR | name=Val Rapava-Ruskin}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ARG | pos=LK | name=Matias Alemanno}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=LK | name=Hugh Bokenham}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Arthur Clark}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Danny Eite}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Cameron Jordan}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=LK | name=Freddie Thomas}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Josh Basham}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Jack Clement}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Lewis Ludlow}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=SCO | pos=BR | name=Jack Mann}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Harry Taylor}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Will Trenholm}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=BR | name=James Venter}}

{{rugby squad mid}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=Mike Austin}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=Caolan Englefield}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name=Tomos Williams}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FH | name=Charlie Atkinson}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=FH | name=Ross Byrne}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Seb Atkinson}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Will Butler}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Will Joseph}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Max Llewellyn}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Josh Hathaway}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Ben Loader}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Jacob Morris}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=WG | name=Rob Russell}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Ollie Thorley}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=George Barton}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=Ben Redshaw}}

{{rugby squad end}}

=Academy squad=

The Gloucester Rugby academy squad for the 2025–26 season is:

{{rugby squad start}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Kealan Freeman-Price}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=George Knowles}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=George Alexander}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Jonno Balding}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Deian Gwynne}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Olly Allport}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Caio James}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Jayden Wrottesley}}

{{rugby squad mid}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Max Knight}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Will Knight}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Jack Cotgreave}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=Josiah Edwards-Giraud}}

{{rugby squad end}}

=Sub academy squad=

The Gloucester Rugby sub academy squad for the 2025–26 season is:

{{rugby squad start}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Harrison Bellamy}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Olly Minus}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Harry Wright}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Freddie Ogden-Metherell}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Oscar Rees}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Jack Gilbert}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Dan O'Reilly}}

{{rugby squad mid}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=Rhys Price}}

{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=George Dufty}}

{{rugby squad end}}

Club staff

Coaching Team{{cite web |title=Gloucester Rugby Confirm 2023/24 Coaching Structure |url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/news/gloucester-rugby-confirm-2023-24-coaching-structure |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=12 June 2023}}

Academy

  • Wayne Thompson - Head of Academy
  • Gareth Delve - Academy Manager
  • Declan Danaher - Pathway Academy Head Coach / Breakdown Skills Coach
  • Stuart Bradfield - Academy Pathway Manager
  • George Edwards - Academy Analyst
  • Conor Gallagher - Junior Academy Physiotherapist
  • Tom Jameson - Education Officer
  • Jordan Murton - Lead Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Matt Teague – Academy Head Coach U17 / 18s
  • James Wild - Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach

Notable former players

{{see also|Category:Gloucester Rugby players}}

Below is a non-exhaustive list of former players for the club who have been either club record holders or have been particularly notable during their time at the club.

{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}

  • {{flagicon|England}} Mike Teague, played in 1991 Rugby World Cup Final while at Gloucester
  • {{flagicon|England}} Phil Vickery, won 2003 Rugby World Cup Final while at Gloucester
  • {{flagicon|England}} Trevor Woodman, won 2003 Rugby World Cup Final while at Gloucester
  • {{flagicon|England}} John Gordon A'Bear, British and Irish Lions tourist in 1936, and Gloucester's youngest ever captain
  • {{flagicon|France}} Ludovic Mercier, club points{{cite web |url=http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/points.php |title=Statistics | Rugby | Gloucester Rugby | Official Site : Top Points Scorers |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510084836/http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/points.php |archive-date=10 May 2015 |url-status=dead}} and goal-kick{{cite web |url=http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/kickers.php |title=Statistics | Rugby | Gloucester Rugby | Official Site : Top Goal Kickers |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228140512/http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugby/statistics/kickers.php |archive-date=28 February 2013 |url-status=dead}} record holder
  • {{flagicon|South Africa}} Franco Mostert, won 2019 Rugby World Cup while playing for Gloucester
  • {{flagicon|Wales}} Tony Lewis, former England cricket captain[http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/page_id__197_path__0p3p17p.aspx Tony Lewis] Retrieved 19 May 2018.

{{div col end}}

= Lions tourists =

The following Gloucester players have been selected for the Lions tours while at the club:{{cite web |title=Gloucester Rugby & the British & Irish Lions |url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/content/gloucester-the-british-irish-lions |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=9 May 2025 |date=8 May 2025}}

= Rugby World Cup =

The following are players which have represented their countries at the Rugby World Cup whilst playing for Gloucester:

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

!Tournament

!Players selected

!England players

!Other national team players

1991

|1

|Mike Teague

|{{n/a}}

1995

|2

|Richard West

|Ian Smith {{flagicon|SCO}}

1999

|4

|Neil McCarthy, Phil Vickery

|Junior Paramore, Terry Fanolua {{flagicon|SAM}}

2003

|6

|Phil Vickery, Trevor Woodman, Andy Gomarsall

|Rodrigo Roncero {{flagicon|ARG}}, Thinus Delport {{flagicon|RSA}}, Terry Fanolua {{flagicon|SAM}}

2007

|5

|{{n/a}}

|Will James, Gareth Cooper {{flagicon|WAL}}, Marco Bortolami (c) {{flagicon|ITA}}, Rory Lawson, Chris Paterson {{flagicon|SCO}}

2011

|7

|Mike Tindall

|Scott Lawson, Jim Hamilton, Alasdair Strokosch, Rory Lawson {{flagicon|SCO}}, Akapusi Qera {{flagicon|FIJ}}, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu {{flagicon|SAM}}

2015

|8

|Ben Morgan, Jonny May

|Ross Moriarty, James Hook {{flagicon|WAL}}, Greig Laidlaw (c) {{flagicon|SCO}}, Mariano Galarza {{flagicon|ARG}}, Sione Kalamafoni, David Halaifonua {{flagicon|TON}}

2019

|6

|Willi Heinz, Jonny May

|Chris Harris {{flagicon|SCO}}, Jake Polledri, Callum Braley {{flagicon|ITA}}, Franco Mostert {{flagicon|RSA}}

2023

|8

|Jonny May

|Stephen Varney {{flagicon|ITA}}, Louis Rees-Zammit {{flagicon|WAL}}, Albert Tuisue {{flagicon|FIJ}}, Chris Harris {{flagicon|SCO}}, Matías Alemanno, Santiago Carreras, Mayco Vivas {{flagicon|ARG}}

= Hall of fame =

In 2023 for the club's 150th anniversary, 15 professional-era players and 13 amateur-era players were inducted into a Hall of Fame.

== Professional era ==

The following are professional players who have been inducted into the Gloucester Rugby Hall of Fame:{{cite web |title=Gloucester Rugby Hall of Fame inductees revealed {{!}} Gloucester Rugby |url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/content/gloucester-rugby-hall-of-fame-inductees-revealed |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=17 June 2025 |date=2 October 2023}}{{cite web |title=Gloucester Rugby Hall of Fame |url=https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/content/gloucester-rugby-hall-of-fame |website=Gloucester Rugby |access-date=17 June 2025 |date=12 August 2023}}

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
Player

!Position

!Years at club

!Caps

{{flagicon|FRA}} Olivier Azam

|Hooker

|2000–2003
2004–2011

|240

{{flagicon|ENG}} Nick Wood

|Prop

|2003–2016

|277

{{flagicon|ENG}} Phil Vickery

|Prop

|1996–2006

|155

{{flagicon|ENG}} Alex Brown

|Lock

|2003–2012

|233

{{flagicon|ENG}} Dave Sims

|Lock

|1988–1999

|256

{{flagicon|RSA}} Jake Boer

|Flanker

|2000–2007
2009–2010

|190

{{flagicon|ENG}} Andy Hazell

|Flanker

|1997–2013

|263

{{flagicon|ENG}} James Forrester

|Number eight

|2001–2007

|136

{{flagicon|ENG}} Andy Gomarsall

|Scrum-half

|2000–2005

|130

{{flagicon|FRA}} Ludovic Mercier

|Fly-half

|2001–2003
2005–2007

|105

{{flagicon|ENG}} Mike Tindall

|Centre

|2005–2013

|179

{{flagicon|ENG}} Billy Twelvetrees

|Centre

|2012–2023

|273

{{flagicon|ENG}} Charlie Sharples

|Wing

|2008–2021

|273

{{flagicon|ENG}} James Simpson-Daniel

|Wing

|2000–2013

|272

{{flagicon|ENG}} Olly Morgan

|Full-back

|2005–2012

|131

== Amateur era ==

A panel voted to induct 13 pre-professional era players into the Hall of Fame, only one player from each decade could be selected. The following players were inducted:{{Cite web|url=https://gloucester-rugby-prod.incrowdsports.com/|title=Gloucester Rugby Hall of Fame | Gloucester Rugby|website=Gloucester Rugby}}

{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}

  • 1873–1883 – [https://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/content/people/player_profiles/francis-hartley Francis Hartley]
  • 1883–1893 – [https://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/content/people/player_profiles/george-coates George Coates]
  • 1893–1903 – [https://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/content/people/player_profiles/tommy-bagwell Tommy Bagwell]
  • 1903–1913 – Arthur Hudson
  • 1913–1923 – Sid Smart
  • 1923–1933 – Tom Voyce
  • 1933–1943 – Alfred Carpenter
  • 1943–1953 – George Hastings
  • 1953–1963 – Peter Ford
  • 1963–1973 – Alan Brinn
  • 1973–1983 – Mike Burton
  • 1983–1993 – John Watkins
  • 1993–1995 – Mike Teague

{{div col end}}

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{commons category}}

  • {{official website}}
  • [https://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/sport/gloucester_rfc/index.shtml Live commentary on all games from BBC Gloucestershire]
  • [http://www.gloucesterrugbyheritage.org.uk/ Gloucester Rugby Heritage]
  • [http://www.premiershiprugby.com Premiership Rugby Official Website]

{{Gloucester Rugby squad}}

{{English Premiership (rugby union)}}

{{European Rugby Champions Cup}}

{{Original Courage League 1 clubs}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Premiership Rugby teams

Category:Rugby union teams in England

Category:Rugby clubs established in 1873

Category:Sport in Gloucester

Category:1873 establishments in England