Gloucester Rugby defeated Championship side, Nottingham Rugby, 42-14 in their opening game of the 2023/24 season on Saturday afternoon.

Director of Rugby, George Skivington, was pleased with what he saw, particularly in attack, which already showed early hallmarks of new Attack Coach, James Lightfoot-Brown.

“I’m really pleased with that, I thought there was some really good attacking intent.

“Lights will work tirelessly on that and that’s why we brought him in.

“We know it won’t be perfect and that it will take time, but the lads were brave today and tried to enforce what Lights has worked on over the summer.”

With eight players away on international duty, it was a great opportunity for some of the younger members of the squad to impress, and Skivington says they did just that.

“There’s loads to take away from this and analyse, especially for the younger players.

“I thought some young lads that haven’t played a huge amount of rugby for the Club and a few lads on debut really put their hands up.”

Gloucester Rugby fly-half, George Barton, was voted Stowford Press Player of then Match for a stellar performance at the heart of the Cherry & Whites side. He said he’s just happy to be back on the pitch and enjoying his rugby.

“There’s only so much running you can do in pre-season, I was eager to get back out on the pitch and get the ball in hand and just doing what I love, and to do it at home is amazing.

“It was great to be back out here at Kingsholm, the fans were amazing once again.”

The Gloucester-born playmaker was delighted with the performance of the young Cherry & Whites side.

“You could tell the boys really enjoyed it and embraced the opportunity. It’s been a long preseason, but we’ve worked hard to put in that performance.”

Finally, Barton praised the opposition, and said the addition of the Championship sides to this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup has added an extra element.

“Nottingham performed really well, their one try was pretty spectacular, and it was a tough battle up front.

"They showed how hard they work and how good the level of rugby is in the Championship.”

The Cherry & Whites continue their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign with a trip to Saracens on Saturday, before returning to Kingsholm on Friday 22 September to play Harlequins.

Tickets for Gloucester’s next home fixture again Quins can be purchased, here.