Can Welsh stars Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake help bring the good times back to Kingsholm?
Gloucester may have one of the most passionate fan bases in the world Gallagher PREMbut in recent years they have been starved of something to shout about. However, despite last year’s eighth place, there are reasons to be happy at Kingsholm, thanks to a pair of talented Atkinsons and the arrival of some big stars from across the Severn Bridge.
The world of rugby will be reviewed each Gallagher PREM the team’s chances – as well as those of the 16 URC sides – from now until the start of the new season on Friday, September 25.
Gloucester Rugby Discussion Points
This season marks 20 years since Gloucester last reached a PREM final and you can’t see that streak ending anytime soon. Local fans can at least take solace in the return of the Slater Cup to Kingsholm after last season’s assault on Villa Park.
Accounts show that the clubs’ losses have increased by over 450% in the 2024-25 season, despite finishing fifth. He now has work to do on and off the pitch after finishing eighth last term.
Thomas WilliamsThe departure to Saracens is a big blow, but there is a timely reinforcement in the form of leaders Wales Jac Morgan and Goddess Lake. Dan Robson was lured back from France to fill Williams’ boots, while Jean Klein should add a vital grunt to the pack.
Starting on the right foot is crucial after Gloucester lost nine of their first ten PREM games last season. Boss George Skivington described that barren run as the toughest spell of his decade in coaching.
A key player
There is a key surname in Kingsholm – Atkinson. Charlie with ten and Seb with 12. Leinster’s Ross Byrne move failed, the Irishman absent from any team since February, so Charlie Atkinson was left to steer the ship. Since his England 2025 trip to Argentina, he has shown moments of real promise. Outfielder Seb Atkinson, 24, is now an England regular. He must drag his club mates with him if Gloucester are to climb the table.
Gloucester center Seb Atkinson has become an England regular (David Rogers/Getty Images)
One to watch
Jac Morgan is a significant addition to the back row. If he can settle down quickly, he will surely break PREM’s stats. Relentless on both sides of the ball, he will lead by example and could inspire a change in destiny.
Trainer box
Former Saints guru Chris Boyd has been technical director since March, while Skivington head coach is supported by James Lightfoot Brown (attack). Brett Deacon joins from Leicester as forwards coach and former dual-code star Joel Tomkins arrives from the Catalan Dragons to take charge of defence. Dom Waldouck has moved up to head player development.
Gloucester Rugby Prediction 2026-27
A big improvement on last year – but they will be too far off the pace to make the playoffs.
Gloucester Rugby 2026-27 quotas
33-1
Vital statistics
Jac Morgan averaged 1.9 tackles per 80 minutes last term – an exceptional figure in the world’s top leagues.
Tomos Williams may have left, but Gloucester have signed two more Welsh stars in national team captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan (David Rogers/Getty Images)
Gloucester Rugby signings
- Eliot Salt (Coventry)
- Jac Morgan (Ospreys)
- Ospreys Lake
- Phil Cokanasiga (Ospreys)
- Jean Kleyn (Munster)
- Joe Joyce (Connacht)
- Dan Robson (Pau)
- Marco Fepulea’i (Mont-de-Marsan)
- Callum McCabe (Bosses)
- Halen King (Chiefs)
Gloucester Rugby ddepartures
- Tomos Williams (Saracens)
- Matias Alemanno (Vannes)
- Cam Jordan (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- Hugh Bokenham (Cornish Pirates)
- Josh Basham (released)
- Rob Russell (released)
- Nepo Laulala (published)
- Will Butler (London, Scotland)
- Jake Morris (Ealing Trailfinders)
- Archie McArthur (Exeter Chiefs)
- Kiril Gotovtsev (retired)
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