Gloucester's director of rugby, George Skivington, has had a challenging season, but he sees it as a learning curve. Despite finishing fifth last season and missing the play-offs, the team has struggled this year, currently sitting near the bottom of the division. However, Skivington remains optimistic, attributing the tough season to a period of growth and self-reflection.
In his own words, "It's been the toughest season of my coaching career, without a doubt. I have learned a huge amount, and that is what this season has been all about for me. Hopefully, it's now time to step back, evaluate what you are good at, what you want to do, and how you want to run the club."
The team's recent recruitment policy, both on and off the pitch, has been instrumental in this transformation. Skivington believes that the right people are now in the right places, allowing him to focus on his strengths and the team's strengths. This shift in focus has breathed new life into the squad, with players and staff alike embracing the challenge.
Despite their struggles, Gloucester has a chance to secure a top-eight finish and qualify for the Investec Champions Cup for the second consecutive season. This weekend's match against Northampton Saints is crucial, as a win would be their third in a row at Kingsholm and a significant step towards their goal.
Skivington emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, stating, "We have it [a top-eight finish] in our hands, and we would rather have it that way. You want to shoot as high as you can all the time, and that you don't get too bogged down in the what ifs. We just need to keep trying to win rugby matches and wherever we end up, we end up."
The Cherry and Whites' home ground, Kingsholm, has become a fortress, with the team leaving everything on the field when they play there. Skivington's leadership and the team's resilience have turned a difficult season into an opportunity for growth and improvement, setting the stage for a brighter future.
