Gloucester reveal Ackermann's replacement

NEWS: Gloucester announced the appointment George Skivington as their new head coach.

Skivington was previously forwards coach at London Irish, and has also coached with the Samoan national team. His playing career included captaining England Saxons and London Irish, as well as time with Wasps and Leicester Tigers.

He takes over the position left by Johan Ackermann, who will be coaching in Japan.

"I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Gloucester," said Skivington.

"I’ve been very impressed with everyone I’ve met at the club so far, and the vision they have for the club. What I particularly liked was how far-reaching the vision is, building from the Academy, through the first team, and across the whole club. I can’t wait to play my part in it.

"When I was playing, Gloucester was one of a couple of clubs that you never fancied visiting. We want to bring that feeling back to Kingsholm.

"I’ve had a look at the playing squad, and there are some really great players in there. It doesn’t need rebuilding, but there are obviously one or two areas that need some work. When Gloucester has been successful it’s always been built on having a formidable pack. We need make sure we have a pack that has the kind of reputation that it used to have. When we do that, with the skill and pace of the backs we have at the club, we’re going to start getting the results we want again."

CEO Lance Bradley commented: "George has a great reputation within the game, and is one of the new generation of highly talented young English coaches. He was our clear first choice among the many who applied for the position. He has signed a long-term contract and we look forward to working with him to deliver the vision we have for our club."

Gloucester also announced that Alex Brown is promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer. With the decision not to replace the Director of Rugby position, Brown will take on more rugby-related responsibilities including recruitment and regulatory issues, leaving Skivington to concentrate on the playing side.