Gloucester Rugby welcome table topping Saracens to Kingsholm in their first game of 2023 on Friday 6 January (7.45pm KO). Head Coach George Skivington says his side are relishing the challenge of taking on the league leaders.

“Sarries are top of the table, and they play some good rugby. They were very impressive on Saturday against Exeter and they’re littered with superstars, so we know the challenge in front of us is going to be tough, they’ve got a good all-round game, but we are excited for it.”

The Cherry & Whites ended 2022 in dramatic fashion, when a last-minute penalty from Santi Carreras saw them claim four points with a win over London Irish at Kingsholm. Skivington was impressed with the game management of his side in poor conditions.

“It was torrential conditions, there was a lot of ball down and ball to be recovered, but I thought the boys' effort was outstanding. Ben Meehan’s kicking game was outstanding, and we executed a good pressure game.”

Despite being happy with the result, Skivington admits there are still areas to improve.

“The was a few bits that didn’t quite fire as we hoped, and we didn’t capitalise on all the pressure we put them under, but we built ourselves back into the game and Santi’s kick to win it at the end was brilliant.”

But a win is a win and Skivington praised his players determination and work ethic, that saw them fight until the very end.

“It shows the mettle of the lads, they stayed on task and with 8 minutes to go and a man down and the message for them was to just stick to the plan and build and get us an opportunity to win the game.

“They’re a really tight unit and they work unbelievably hard for each other. To stick to the plan when they were a man down, against one of the best attacking teams in the league, really showed what they’re about and I was really pleased for them at the end.”

Kingsholm was sold out on New Year’s Eve and tickets are selling fast for this Friday’s game against Saracens. Skivington is looking forward to welcoming the Cherry & Whites fans back to Kingsholm.

“The crowd at the New Year’s Eve game was outstanding, the silence for Santi’s kick and the roar when it went over, it doesn’t get much better than that!

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Kingsholm again, and hopefully it will be as loud and as exciting as it was last weekend.”

Tickets for Fridays game at home against Saracens are available here.

Skivington aims to kick off the new year in style against Saracens

Related News