Paddy Anson named new Gloucester Rugby Head of Strength & Conditioning

Posted on May 10, 2012 in Latest Rugby News

Gloucester Rugby have confirmed that Paddy Anson will shortly be joining the club as the new Head of Strength & Conditioning.

A former Royal Marine for six years, Paddy has been the Head of Strength and Conditioning with the Exeter Chiefs since the 2006-7 season.

He left the Marines to take a Degree in Exercise and Sports Science at Exeter University, which he combined with his first stint with the Chiefs.

He then moved north and spent four years working with Hartpury College and the Gloucester Rugby Academy as well as studying for a Masters in Coaching Science at UWIC.

A one year spell with the Worcester Warriors as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach followed before taking up his current role with the Chiefs.

As he prepares to move back up the M5, the 39 year old confirmed that he’s thoroughly enjoyed his time in Devon but is now looking forward to finalising arrangements for his first preseason with Gloucester.

“The bulk of the planning for preseason will take place in the next five weeks. I want to make sure it’s all spot on and work with the coaches there to ensure that the programme delivers what they want it to. But I’ve got a very good idea of what I would like to do.

“Gloucester is a proud club with passionate supporters. I’ve worked there before, albeit with the Academy. I’ve also either worked with or know most of the coaches there, which is a help.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Exeter but I’ve reached the point where I felt the need to keep challenging myself which I think is important as a coach and as an individual.

“I’ve really enjoyed the six years with the Chiefs but it was a move I felt I needed to make.

“Now I’m really looking forward to the task in hand. Preseason is a crucial period for any Aviva Premiership club and Gloucester is no different.”     

Shane Monahan wings in to Gloucester Rugby

Posted on May 4, 2012 in Gloucester, Premiership

Gloucester Rugby have boosted their three quarter resources for next season with the signing of Irish winger Shane Monahan from Championship side Rotherham.

The 25 year old has been a stand out performer for the Titans this season, scoring eleven tries as they finished seventh in the table.

Also capable of appearing at outside centre, he started out at Boyne RFC and was a member of the Ireland squad that won the U20s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2007 alongside the likes of Leinster’s Cian Healy and Munster’s Keith Earls.

At 6ft 2 and weighting in at over 16 stone, his physicality and eye for the try line will make him a valuable addition to Gloucester’s back line options next season.

Now preparing himself for a crack at the Aviva Premiership with Gloucester, Monahan admits that he’s looking forward to the summer move to Kingsholm.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to pit myself against the very best in the English club game.

“Gloucester already have some really talented backs in the squad and it’s going to be great for my game to work with them. They’ve also signed some class players for next season so it’s a really exciting prospect.

“I’m genuinely excited about joining such an historic club. Kingsholm is one of the most famous club grounds in the world and the support is second to none. I can’t wait to get down there, meet my new team mates and start preseason.”

Gloucester add to front row options with signing of Andy Long

Posted on Apr 26, 2012 in English Rugby, Gloucester, Premiership

Gloucester Rugby have confirmed that Northampton Saints hooker Andy Long will be moving to Kingsholm for the 2012-13 season.

The twice capped England international possesses a wealth of first class experience and will add to Gloucester’s front row options next season with the likes of Darren Dawidiuk and Huia Edmonds already on board.

Having started his career at Bath Rugby, he has since gone on to represent Munster, Rotherham, Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints.

His stay at Franklin’s Gardens has seen him win an LV= Cup winners medal and anchor the Saints set piece in the absence of skipper Dylan Hartley.

As well as representing his country, the Poole born player is also closing in on 200 Premiership appearances – a significant achievement.

Despite all he has achieved in his career, Long admitted that the prospect of playing at Kingsholm for Gloucester is an exciting one.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play for some great clubs in my time, but I have to admit that I’m really looking forward to joining Gloucester and playing in front of one of the most passionate crowds in rugby.

“I’ve always relished playing there and have experienced some great battles in front of the Shed.

“Gloucester have made some great signings for next season and I’m looking forward to playing my part in what should be an exciting season.

“In the meantime, however, I’ve still got work to do for the Saints and am 100% committed to that. The club have been great to me and I’ve enjoyed my time there.”

Gloucester Rugby’s Forwards Coach Carl Hogg explained that Long will bring plenty of qualities to the squad:

“We’re absolutely delighted with Andy’s arrival here next season. We’ve got some young front rowers and Andy’s experience will be key there.

“He’s got vast experience across the Premiership and is also a very good set piece technician and will fit in very nicely with our group.

“He’s an outstanding professional and a very good role model and we’re looking forward to having him on board.”  

Tim is Taylor made for Gloucester once again

Posted on Mar 7, 2012 in English Rugby, Gloucester, Premiership

Fly half Tim Taylor has become the latest member of the Gloucester Rugby squad to agree a new contract with the club as he signs on for another two years at Kingsholm.

The 29 year old initially joined Gloucester on loan in the spring of 2010 from Championship side Nottingham but quickly impressed and earned himself a permanent contract.

Initially a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy, he also spent time in New Zealand playing for Nelson Bay as well deputising for Dan Carter at the Crusaders.

Tim has been a regular in the first team squad at Gloucester and picked up an LV= Cup winners medal in 2010-11.

He has been sidelined with a thumb injury since the turn of the year but still possesses the third most accurate kicking percentage in the Aviva Premiership this season.

Talking to the club website, he explained that he’s delighted to be staying at Kingsholm and is looking forward to the next couple of years for more than reason.

“I’m really happy. I’ve enjoyed my time with Gloucester and it’s great that I’ve got the opportunity to stay for another couple of years.

“This season has been a bit frustrating with the thumb injury but I’m almost back and hope I can play a part in the run in.

“It’s good to have some stability as I’m shortly starting a new personal training business alongside Ed Archer (formerly on the strength and conditioning staff at Gloucester). I’ll be working out of the Lion’s Den so I’ll seeing more of Kingsholm than most of the boys!”

Ben Morgan leaves Scarlets for Gloucester

Posted on Mar 5, 2012 in English Rugby, Gloucester, Premiership

Gloucester Rugby have announced England international number eight Ben Morgan will be moving to Kingsholm from the Scarlets for the 2012-13 season.

Morgan, who turned 23 in February, was born in Bristol, educated in Gloucestershire and started his rugby career just down the road with Dursley RFC.

He joined the Scarlets in May 2009 and has gone on to become a first team regular.

He could have qualified for Wales under residency rules but opted to play for England, the country of his berth, and has enjoyed a fine first RBS Six Nations.

The powerful number eight moves to Gloucester Rugby on a three year contract and is looking forward to the prospect of playing in the Aviva Premiership.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and one that I’m looking forward to immensely. I grew up just down the road so Gloucester is my local team and I can’t wait to run out at Kingsholm for the first time.

“Gloucester have some incredible talent in their squad and play a great style of rugby. Bryan Redpath’s told me of his plans for next season and beyond and being part of it is an exciting prospect.”

Morgan was quick to pay tribute, however, to the Scarlets for helping him to get to this point in his career.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the Scarlets and I’m incredibly grateful to so many people for the help they’ve given me along the way.

“Having opted to pursue an international career with England, they understood my desire to play in England and have been brilliant in the way they’ve handled things.”

Head Coach Bryan Redpath is delighted to secure Morgan’s services.

“Ben joining us is a very significant signing. He’s a big ball carrier who also possesses great handling skills. He’ll help get us over the gain line and also do his bit in defence.

“He’s international quality and still only 23 years old. He still has so much upside and I think he’ll be a great addition to our squad.”

Morgan said it had been a very difficult decision to move from the Scarlets one year early from the end of his contract paying tribute to the West Wales region saying he owed the Scarlets, “so much credit for where I am right now”.

The Scarlets forward has made impressive progress since he joined the West Wales region in May 2009 and has appeared 42 times in a Scarlets shirt with 15 points. He announced his intention to make himself available on an international level for his home country of England in January this year, after also qualifying for Wales on the grounds of three years residency.

Scarlets no 8 Ben Morgan said: “It has been a staggering season for me and I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to represent both the Scarlets and England. I’m grateful for the opportunities handed to me by the Scarlets to play the top-flight club rugby which led me to international selection and my dream to play for England.

“As a proud Englishman, I feel it’s best that I now take my club career forward within the Aviva Premiership and my home country and I am pleased to be joining Gloucester next season as a club with similar values and ambitions as the Scarlets.

“I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the coaches and back-room staff at the Scarlets who’ve been a huge influence and support and helped me achieve so much in a short space of time. So much credit should go to them for what I have achieved.

“It’s been a brilliant three years at Parc y Scarlets and living in Llanelli where supporters have been so loyal, welcoming and supportive.

“Being a Scarlet has a lot more to it than just simply pulling on a jersey and running onto the field every weekend as anyone who’s played for them knows; there’s a meaning, heritage and culture and a strong set of values at the core of the environment. That’s always going to stay with me in the future.”

“We’ve got an exciting end of season ahead as we’re still in the final race in all three of our competitions. I’m looking forward to coming back to Parc y Scarlets after the Six Nations and will give it my all in the challenge to win some silverware and celebrate my time with a great team.”

Head of Scarlets Rugby Nigel Davies said:“Ben has achieved a great deal in his rugby career since joining us, he’s a committed professional and worked hard in development with us. We’ve discussed his future career with him over the past year and supported his future aspirations.

“He’s a thoughtful person and has taken his time to consider the best options given his international aspirations going forward in his future career. Ben is also a proud Englishman, which we have complete respect for and understand his desire to focus on his England career and to return home for the next stage of his career.

“We’ve worked with Ben to consider all options available with a number of English clubs very keen to find a way for him to be playing for them.

“We wish him well within England and with Gloucester who we have an excellent working relationship with, they are a good a team of people with values similar to our own and we’re comfortable with the move which works in a rugby context for all concerned and for both businesses.”

“It has been a privilege to be part of Ben’s progression. His contribution to Scarlets performance, as part of a squad of players that supports each other, has been considerable and we are all very proud of what he has achieved.”

Morgan started his career at Dursley RFC in Gloucestershire before joining Merthyr RFC and played for Cardiff Blues U20 before signing for Scarlets.

BIOGRAPHY

Benjamin John Morgan
Born Bristol: 18.02.89
Height: 6ft 3ins
Weight: 116kg
Position: No 8

Previous clubs: 1994-2007 Dursley RFC, 07-08 Cinderford RFC, 08-09 Merthyr RFC, 09 to date Scarlets

Representative honours: Gloucestershire Under-20s

Honours for Scarlets: Scarlets Young Player of the Year Award in 2011, also won the supporters’ vote for a similar award. He took man of the match awards in both the Scarlets’ back-to-back Heineken Cup matches against Benetton Treviso in December 2010 and a few months later picked up parallel awards in Magners League games against Treviso and Cardiff Blues.