Gloucester not up for sale despite report

Gloucester chairman Tom Walkinshaw has denied that a stake in the club is to be sold to a foreign investor.

Reports that a businessman from Abu Dhabi was set to invest in Gloucester are said to be wide of the mark, but Walkinshaw admits the club are looking to generate funds.

He commented, “I can categorically say Gloucester Rugby is not for sale. We may look at bringing in partners because we want to keep growing so we can compete domestically and internationally.”

He added, “We want a larger ground so the fans who want to come can do so and we want to do that as fast as we possibly can.”

Satala set for Gloucester switch

Fijian Apo Satala could become a Gloucester player in the coming days, after coach Dean Ryan admitted he had impressed in a trial.

The former Leeds man came off the bench against Glasgow in Gloucester’s 30-8 friendly victory and could provide vital firepower to the squad.

Ryan commented, “We’ve got some great back row forwards in terms of work rate but the dynamism of Qera and Delve is a loss. We’ll miss some of their power running and we’ve been looking around to see if we can add a mix which will help us.”

Gloucester star calls it a day

Leon Lloyd has decided to call time on his career after failing to fully recover from a serious knee injury.

Lloyd, 30, only managed 8 appearances for Gloucester last season and the former England man is devastated to be ending his playing career in this manner.

He commented, “I am distraught. It was only yesterday that I found out that it was all over, so it hasn’t really sunk in yet. Although I’m bitterly disappointed I think I’ll look back on my career and feel incredibly fortunate”.

Although Lloyd struggled to make an impact in his short time with Gloucester, he won 12 trophies with Leicester and five caps for England, making him one of the most successful players in the domestic game.

Barkley looking forward to season

New Gloucester signing Olly Barkley says he is looking forward to the new season and the prospect of teaming up again with Mike Tindall.

The two played together at Bath and Barkley believe they can form a good partnership at Gloucester.

He commented, “It’ll be nice to get a run of games with Tinds. Anthony Allen’s there at the moment and played very well last season, so I’ve got a big task in front of me.”

Barkley out for eight weeks

Olly Barkley is looking at eight weeks on the sidelines after it was revealed he will need an operation to repair his fractured left wrist.

The Gloucester centre picked up the injury on England’s ill-fated tour of New Zealand and is now struggling to be fit for the start of the new season.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan commented, “Olly requires this surgery to give him the best chance of being fit for the start of the Premiership season”.

Somerville flies in to Gloucester

New Zealand star Greg Somerville has signed for Gloucester on a two and a half year deal, making him the third new player for the club in the space of two days after the captures of Dave Young and Adam Eustace.

Somerville is a 30 year old Prop and has represented the all blacks 59 times, making him one of the most experienced international players at the club.

Dean Ryan, the Gloucester coach commented, “To have represented the All Blacks in more than 50 Test matches and be versatile, to operate on either side of the scrum, means he is an outstanding acquisition for us at this stage of his career.”

Gloucester make double signing

Gloucester have strengthened their squad for next season with the capture of two new players, Adam Eustace from Llanelli Scarlets and Dave Young from Leicester Tigers.

Eustace is a 29 year old lock and return to the club on a two year contract. 22 year old prop Young has signed just a one year deal.

Despite the short term contract, Gloucester coach Dean Ryan believes Young can make an impact. He commented, “Dave has got the right credentials and attitude to become a very good player.”