Gloucester Rugby conclude their 2022/23 season by facing Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate tomorrow. With Champions Cup qualification on the line, fly-half, Adam Hastings, says the players are motivated to get the win.

“The motivation is really high, we have one game to go, and European rugby is on the line for next year, so there’s lots to play for and I think you’ll see a good team performance on Saturday.

“What more motivation can you need, a derby day and playing for European rugby so the boys are looking forward to it.”

After a disappointing second half of the season, Hastings says a derby win and a place in next season’s top tier of European rugby would give the Cherry & Whites something to smile about over the summer break.

“We targeted that top four this year and we’ve acknowledged why we haven’t quite got there. But it’s really important we finish on a high, it makes summer a lot sweeter knowing we’ve secured European rugby.

“We had some great nights here at Kingsholm and away this season, so it’ll be great to get that again for the fans.”

Hastings is wary of Bristol’s attacking threats but says Gloucester have to focus on their own game.

“You’ve got to acknowledge their threats, they have a few across the park.

“But at the end of the day, we must focus on ourselves and what we can do. We have plans to nullify their threats and attack them, so we’ll look to put those in place.”

Derby days always provide a special atmosphere, and Hastings says the heated atmosphere can motivate the players even further.

“The crowds going to play a huge factor, it’ll be buzzing at Ashton Gate and that’ll get the boys fired up.”

Last time out, the Cherry & Whites were beaten 22-25 by Sale in their home game of the season, Hastings says the team are eager to bounce back this weekend.

“The boys were very disappointed, we put ourselves in some great scoring positions, especially in that first half.

“But we came in this week with a really good attitude and we’re ready to fire at the weekend.”

The Scotsman says accuracy will be the key to turning things around at Ashton Gate.

“It’s been frustrating the last few weeks because we’ve played some really good stuff and I think our attack has been the best it’s been all season, but we just haven’t managed to get the results.

“If we can be a bit more accurate in the last few phases before the line, we’ll score some points on Saturday and hopefully come away with the win.”

Champions Cup qualification all the motivation you need says Hastings

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