Change at Gloucester Rugby

There have been mass changes at Gloucester Rugby Club over the past few months, with Head Coach Johan Ackermann leaving to join Japanese side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes and Director of Rugby David Humphreys also leaving his role.  

Ackermann received a number of coaching offers and decided that for personal reasons, this was the right move for him to make. The South African is not leaving without a trace, during his period at Kingsholm, he has transformed that way that the club played and managed to take them to third in the Premiership last season. 

The departures at the club are not confined to the management of the club, a number of players are also leaving the club. Welsh fly-half, Owen Williams is following Ackermann to NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, with this move to Japan the Welshman has made himself ineligible for international selection. South African hooker, Franco Marais as well as New Zealand full-back Tom Marshall will following Owen Williams, in leaving the Cherry and Whites for Ackermann’s new side. 

Another major departure from Gloucester comes in the form of World Cup winning Springbok Franco Mostert. Mostert who joined the club alongside Franco Marais in 2018, will also leaving for Japan, but will not join his former Gloucester teammates. 

However, there is some positive news coming out of Kingsholm, newly acquired England international wing, Johnny May has signed a new long-term contract at the club. 

The wing has been happy to re-join his former club and is looking forward to the future at the club. "I've already really enjoyed being back in the Gloucester Rugby environment, and it's great to be able to commit my future here," May said.

Veteran Australian hooker has also signed a new contract at the club through the 2020-21 season. Hanson is a key piece if Gloucester wish to continue their development. The Australian originally joined the club is 2017 on a short-term deal but since then has extended his stay at the West country club.

Gloucester Chief Executive, Lance Bradley is pleased the club has secured Hanson’s future at the club. “We were aware that he had been exploring options with other clubs, but when we sat down with him and outlined our vision for the future, and the part we saw him playing in it, it was clear that he wanted to stay."

Back-row forward, Lewis Ludlow, 25, who made his 100th appearance for Gloucester this season has also put pen to paper and extended his stay at the club. Ludlow is happy to continue his time at the club. "Playing for Gloucester Rugby has always been a true honour for me, and there's nowhere I'd rather play my rugby."

Finally, lock Alex Craig, 23, has signed a long-term deal at the club. Both Craig and Ludlow will two young, talented players that Gloucester will be able to build the future around.