Gloucester Rugby Academy u18s begin their 2023/24 season with a friendly fixture against Leinster Rugby U18s at Kingsholm on Tuesday.

Head Coach, Matt Teague, says he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“You don’t really know where the group are out at this time of year until you get that first hit out so we’re hugely excited and it doesn’t get any better than Leinster U18s.

“We are incredible proud of our academy conveyer belt but to go up against one of the world’s best academies in terms of the players they produce is a fantastic challenge and the boys can’t wait.”

Teague’s side have been training at Kingsholm for their first block of pre-season training, which he says has been motivating for the players.

“We’ve been here at Kingsholm, so we’ve talked a lot about having pride in the work we are doing here, being prepared, and working hard.

“Having the facilities, we have here has been fantastic for the boys’ development, so we’re really pleased but we’re looking forward to our first test against Leinster.”

The Head Coach says he’s looking for a strong performance in their first fixture but knows the quality of Leinster.

“We’ve challenged the boys to bring a relentless work rate and physicality. We’ve talked about putting in a real Gloucester Rugby performance and hopefully if we bring that we’ll be somewhere close. But as first hit outs go it’s a great challenge.”

Several of this year’s U18s had experience in the Academy league last season, playing a year up. Teague says this will benefit them as individuals and as a team this term.

“The experience that 6 or seven of the boys had last year with the U18s will be huge. So, they’ll get another opportunity this year to tackle what they learnt and put it into practise.

“We’ve got exceptional talent in the Gloucester Rugby Academy as you’d rightly expect and we’re looking forward to seeing them develop.”

Finally, this year’s U18s will be led by Hartpury College backrow, Solomon Shand.

Teague says he’s a player to look out for and wishes him well when he joins up with England U18s after the Leinster fixture.

“Sol is a great lad. He’s had some setbacks with injuries but his resilience and commitment to coming back from them and putting himself in the frame to tour South Africa with England.

“He’s highly regarded here and at Hartpury College where he studies. We can’t wait for him to captain us against Leinster, and we obviously wish him the best in South Africa.”

Full Interview |

Matt Teague previews Gloucester Rugby U18s friendly against Leinster

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