Gloucester Rugby U18s begin their Academy League season with a trip to London South & Central tomorrow afternoon.

Head Coach, Matt Teague, says he’s happy with where the squad are after a successful pre-season.

“Pre-season has been hugely enjoyable. Being based here at Kingsholm has been great and the growth the boys have made has been impressive.

“We had a great performance and result against Leinster and a good camp which has been great for the togetherness and clarity in the group in terms of the purpose and direction we want as we head into the Academy League.

“The first half performance especially against Leinster was really pleasing and gave the boys a lot of confidence which they can take into the league and will stand us in good stead not just for these two upcoming games for the league as a whole.”

A number of this year’s crop of U18s stepped up last season to play in the Academy League. Teague praised the leadership of those with U18s experience already under their belt.

“The boys that stepped up and experienced the Academy League last year have been the standouts in the group in terms of bringing others on, sharing experiences and I think it really showed against Leinster and in the Academy Festival at Malvern as well.”

The Head Coach is hoping that the confidence gained from their pre-season can help them hit the ground running in Sunbury-on-Thames tomorrow.

“It’s massive. They’re entering the unknown again going into Rounds 1 and 2 away from home. But again, the development and growth the boys will get from these two games will be fantastic.”

Teague also thanked Club Captain, Lewis Ludlow and Men’s Head Coach, George Skivington, for taking time to speak to his squad over pre-season.

“The togetherness has also been helped by Lewis Ludlow coming in to speak to the boys before Leinster and George Skivington on Tuesday about backing up those pre-season performances day-to-day and week-to week, so it’s been a great pre-season all around.”

“You look at the Club’s language around ‘It’s in the blood’ and celebrating 150 years this year and it’s not put on, people care here.

“I don’t see many clubs having that buy in, whether it’s Gloucester-Hartpury, the U18s, the U16s, there’s a real want and willingness for the Club to succeed at all levels and when people like Luds and Skivs come in to talk to them it gives the boys belief and confidence to be part of something and represent the Club and the City.

“It also inspires them and gives them the aspiration to get to the first team.

It’s tough, maybe only one or two make it to first team regulars, but when you pull on a Gloucester jersey at any level you’re part of it and that’s what we’re trying to drive at the moment.

“We’re going to make lifelong memories over the next 12 months and develop these boys for the future.”

Matt Teague on Academy League curtain-raiser

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