Phillips, who can play wing or full back, has previously played his club rugby for the Newcastle Falcons and Stade Francais.

However, he is also well known for his time on the World Sevens Series circuit with England. A former captain of the side, he was named IRB Sevens Player of the Year in 2009.

He started his career with Newcastle where he played 33 times in five seasons, scoring nine tries in the process. He then spent two seasons with Stade Francais.

He left Stade last June and has been working his way back to fitness following a knee injury including spending time training with the England Sevens squad.

However, he is now fit and raring to go and looking forward to contributing to the rest of Gloucester’s season as he told the club website.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for as I’ve always had a great deal of admiration for Gloucester and its rugby traditions.

“It’s a proper rugby club in a proper rugby city and Kingsholm is a place I’ve always enjoyed playing at. I can’t think of a place I’d rather play my rugby.

“I was actually quite close to joining Gloucester a couple of years ago when Dean Ryan was still there but I’m delighted to finally get there and I can’t wait to play in front of the Shed with them backing me and not barracking me!”

Phillips will report for training at Hartpury on Monday and he confessed that the move had come about very quickly.

“I had a call from Bryan who told me that Lesley Vainikolo was moving on and that he needed to strengthen the squad.

“Then I heard that Olly Morgan was injured which was terrible news. Olly is actually a really good friend of mine and I’m gutted for him but the news sped things up a bit.

“I’m fit and raring to go. I trained with the England Sevens squad before Christmas and I’m really grateful to Ben Ryan for that. There was an opportunity to play some Sevens but, once I knew of Gloucester’s interest, my mind was made up.”

Gloucester’s style of play was also a huge factor in the decision according to the 29 year old.

“Gloucester play with a lot of movement and get the ball into the wide channels a lot and that suits me down to the ground.

“My first challenge though is to try and get a game and that won’t be easy given the firepower they have in the squad.

“But, if I can reproduce my form of last season with Stade Francais where I was the top scorer, then I can give the coaches something to think about.

“For now though, I’m just really excited about linking up with the boys and being part of the Gloucester squad.”

Suva born Qera is currently in his fifth season at Kingsholm and the confirmation that he has agreed to extend his stay with Gloucester is a welcome boost in a week which concludes with the visit of Toulouse in the Heineken Cup.

The 27 year old first played in England for the Pertemps Bees but really came to prominence in the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France including scoring a try in the memorable win over Wales.

Linking up with Gloucester after the conclusion of that tournament, he quickly made an impact scoring eight tries from 20 starts in his first season, a return he bettered in 2009-10 when he scored ten from 24.

Whether he’s putting in massive hits in defence or carrying with pace and purpose in attack, Qera has become an integral part of the Gloucester squad and he confirmed he’s very happy to be staying at Kingsholm.

“Firstly I just want to thank God for giving me talent, and for allowing me to sign for Gloucester for another two years.

“I love the people here, especially the fans and the crowd. It’s a different environment altogether, at Kingsholm, it’s an unbelievable place to play rugby and it’s so easy to feel at home there.

“My whole family, even my kids, they love it in Gloucester.

“I’m happy to have signed this deal, and I will do my best to make sure we can win more silverware for the people of Gloucester."

The Samoan international is back after a three week suspension and partners Mike Tindall in the Gloucester midfield.

Other changes in the back line see James Simpson-Daniel and Tom Voyce back on the wings and Dave Lewis replace Rory Lawson at scrum half.

Meanwhile, it’s the same pack that started against the Leicester Tigers last weekend with the exception of the return of hooker Scott Lawson.

The Falcons may be nine points adrift at the foot of the table at present with just one victory from their nine games so far but Kingston Park has been a difficult place for Gloucester to visit in recent times.

The last seven clashes between the two clubs in the Premiership have all been won by the home side on the day, whilst the Cherry & Whites have not won at Kingston Park since a visit there in the Anglo Welsh Cup on November 2nd 2008.

With that in mind, Redpath admitted in midweek that the home side will be the favourites on Friday evening but isn’t especially worried about the fact.

“Friday night is massive for us, as big as it is for Newcastle. We’ve got nothing to lose. We’ll probably go there as underdogs and I’m happy with that. They’ll go in as favourites because of their track record against us.

“We know exactly what Newcastle are and exactly what they’ve done to beat us in the past. We’ve got to go into the game with the mentality that we had when we went to Exeter.”

“We’d love to have a full bill of health but we’re not far short of it and we’ll go up there with all guns blazing.”

Gloucester Rugby:

Olly Morgan; James Simpson-Daniel, Mike Tindall, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Tom Voyce; Freddie Burns, Dave Lewis; Nick Wood, Scott Lawson, Rupert Harden; Will James, Jim Hamilton; Alasdair Strokosch, Akapusi Qera, Luke Narraway (capt)

Replacements:

Matias Cortese, Dan Murphy, Dario Chistolini, Peter Buxton, Brett Deacon, Rory Lawson, Tim Taylor, Henry Trinder

Seven changes in all have been made to the side that locked horns with Harlequins last week, with Jordi Pasqualin the most notable inclusion against his former club.

In-form Greg Goosen starts at full-back while Corne Uys partners James Fitzpatrick at the heart of the Falcons backline, with Ryan Shortland getting the nod on the wing.

Grant Shiells and Euan Murray occupy the front-row while Will Welch comes in at flanker to round off the changes.

Pasqualin, 21, who joined the north easterners from the Cherry and Whites last summer cannot wait for Friday’s showdown, saying: “It’s a game I have been looking forward to and as a player you always want to put in a good performance if you’re playing against your old club.”

The Falcons will be aiming to make it five games unbeaten in all competitions at home when Gloucester are in town, something that the Sheffield-born half-back is keen to extend.

“Gloucester haven’t won here for three seasons and we will be trying our best to make this the fourth,” said Pasqualin who is bursting at the seams to march out onto Kingston Park tomorrow night.

“They are a quality side with great capability but we can give them a good game and make the most of our home advantage,” he added.

With a passionate fan-base set to walk through the turnstiles at Kingston Park Pasqualin believes everyone at the club must remain positive in order to climb the Premiership ladder.

He said: “As players we have to stay focussed and as a club, staff and supporters included we have got to stay positive.

“I hope everyone who is able to make it to the game on Friday is there.”

The Kingston Park unit will be buoyed by the return of Euan Murray who adds invaluable experience to the pack.

Murray, 31, took time out after training to give his thoughts in the build up to the game and admits he is ready to do battle with the West Countryman.

He said: “We have to focus on the job in hand and not think about the overall position that we are in. It is crucial that we concentrate on all of the individual aspects of the game.

“If you get a scrum you give it 100% and if you get a line-out you give it 100%,” he added.

Approaching his one year anniversary with the North East outfit, Murray is itching to claim victory over Bryan Redpath’s talented side.

“They are strong all over the pitch with internationals throughout the team and it will certainly be a big game,” said Murray.

“They play very direct and we have watched a bit of what they can do in moving the ball about. They have good runners in the backs and have a tight defence,” he added.

Full interview with Alan Tait coming up on the official website following today’s press conference.

Newcastle

15 Greg Goosen
14 Suka Hufanga
13 Corne Uys
12 James Fitzpatrick
11 Ryan Shortland
10 Jimmy Gopperth
9 Jordi Pasqualin
1 Grant Shiells
2 Michael Mayhew
3 Euan Murray
4 James Hudson
5 Andrew Van Der Heijden
6 Taiasina Tuifua
7 Will Welch
8 Ally Hogg
Replacements
16 Joe Graham
17 Ashley Wells
18 Dan Frazier
19 Adriaan Fondse
20 Mark Wilson
21 Chris Pilgrim
22 Jamie Helleur
23 Tom Catterick

It’s yet more positive news from Kingsholm following the re-signings of the likes of Jim Hamilton, Will James, Charlie Sharples and Henry Trinder in recent times.

Morgan, who turned 26 last week, has spent his entire professional career with Gloucester. A former pupil at Millfield School, he signed his first professional contract with the club in 2004.

His unrivalled ability under the high ball and attacking threat have since seen him establish himself as the first choice full back with Gloucester and he won international recognition in 2007 when he earned two England caps.

He has now represented Gloucester well over 100 times and has been in fine form this season, scoring tries in his two most recent outings against Saracens and the Exeter Chiefs.

Morgan putting pen to paper is an obvious boost to the club as they prepare for Saturday’s Heineken Cup opener at Toulouse on Sunday and the player himself is understandably delighted:

“I’m over the moon really. I’ve been here for eight seasons now and I’m probably classed as a bit of an old man!

“It’s a great club to be at and I’d be happy to spend the rest of my playing days here. When the contract was offered, I didn’t hesitate at all.

“It was a short process and I’m thankful things have been done. Getting it out of the way means I can focus on the rugby.

“I enjoy the way we play our rugby and, with the players we’ve re-signed and the players that are going to be signed, I think the future is bright.”

Jim Hamilton, Rory Lawson, Scott Lawson and Alasdair Strokosch all featured off the bench last weekend against Sale but start at Welford Road.

In addition, Akapusi Qera makes his first Gloucester appearance since representing Fiji in New Zealand and Morgan has recovered from the hand injury he picked up at Edgeley Park a fortnight ago.

There is also a recall for Tom Voyce on the left wing as Charlie Sharples is rested following a clash of heads with Freddie Burns last weekend.

Gloucester’s defence of the LV= Cup got off to a good start last Saturday with the 58-27 win over Sale Sharks whereas a young looking Tigers side slipped to a 31-3 defeat away at the Scarlets.

However, Leicester will be a far different proposition this weekend back in front of their own supporters and able to call upon a number of their own World Cup players.

Redpath knows that Gloucester will have to up their game from last weekend’s effort.

“We fell off a few tackles, allowed them to get their offload game going and gave them a real chance.”

“But we had a better balance to our game and were able to call upon a strong bench of international players and came away comfortable in the end.”

“I looked at their side last weekend I know Richard (Cockerill) has between eight and ten players coming back. So, what we have to do is focus on what we are.”

“We expect their full metal jacket to come out on Friday night. It’ll be a great challenge and a great physical battle. They’re a dangerous animal when they have their backs against the wall.”

Gloucester Rugby:

Olly Morgan; James Simpson-Daniel, Henry Trinder, Lesley Vainikolo, Tom Voyce; Freddie Burns, Rory Lawson; Dan Murphy, Scott Lawson, Rupert Harden; Will James, Jim Hamilton; Alasdair Strokosch, Akapusi Qera, Luke Narraway (capt)

Replacements:

Darren Dawidiuk, Nick Wood, Shaun Knight, Tom Savage, Peter Buxton, Dave Lewis, Tim Taylor, Jonny May

Gloucester start their defence of the LV= Cup with a home fixture against Sale who were the victors last weekend when the two sides met at Edgeley Park in the Aviva Premiership.

From that game only Tom Savage, Will James, Brett Deacon, Luke Narraway, Henry Trinder, Charlie Sharples and Jonny May retain their places in the starting line up.

Narraway, who assumes the captaincy, and May change positions. Narraway moves across to number eight from the blindside flank while May is named at full back instead of centre.

So, up front, there is a new look front row in Dan Murphy, Matias Cortese and Dario Chistolini and Matt Cox returns at openside.

Dave Lewis and Freddie Burns take over at half back and James Simpson-Daniel and Lesley Vainikolo also return to the starting line up.

Meanwhile, all four of Gloucester’s World Cup squad are named amongst the replacements. Scott Lawson, Jim Hamilton, Alasdair Strokosch and Rory Lawson are all set for their first outing in the Cherry and White this season.

Redpath is hoping Gloucester put last weekend’s defeat behind them and start to perform as they can.

“Hopefully we can have a go this weekend and show what we’re really capable of and overcome the fear of going out to win the game rather than trying to protect the game. We fell into that a wee bit last week.”

“We’re not playing enough in the right areas. We’ve not done that enough which is perhaps a few nerves from the first six rounds of the Premiership and some of the young players have never had that sort of exposure before.”

“Saturday is a chance for us to reintroduce a few of our World Cup players and also to express ourselves a little bit more. We’ve been pretty sound defensively, Quins apart, but haven’t really found our feet in attack.”

“It’s irrelevant who Sale pick, it’s all about us, who we use and how we approach our own game.” 

Gloucester Rugby:

Jonny May; Charlie Sharples, Henry Trinder, Lesley Vainikolo, James Simpson-Daniel; Freddie Burns, Dave Lewis; Dan Murphy, Matias Cortese, Dario Chistolini; Tom Savage, Will James; Brett Deacon, Matt Cox, Luke Narraway (capt)

Replacements:

Scott Lawson, Yann Thomas, Shaun Knight, Jim Hamilton, Alasdair Strokosch, Rory Lawson, Tim Taylor, Tom Voyce

Also starting the game will be prop Dan Murphy who also joined Gloucester in the summer, in this case from London Irish.

It’s a young looking and exciting back line which features Fred Burdon, who has been training with the squad over the summer, at full back.

Peter Buxton will skipper the side from the blind side flanker position part of a pack which boasts significant first team experience.

Tickets for the match can be purchased by clicking here, or direct from the Kingsholm ticket office 0871 871 8781.

Ticket prices from just £11 for adults and £5 for juniors.

Season ticket holders are reminded that the match is included within their memberships.

Gloucester Rugby:

Fred Burdon; Jonny May, Henry Trinder, Ryan Mills, Tom Voyce; Freddie Burns, Nick Runciman; Dan Murphy, Darren Dawidiuk, Rupert Harden; Will James, Alex Brown; Peter Buxton (capt), Andy Hazell, Matt Cox

Replacements:

Koree Britton, Nick Wood, Yann Thomas, Tom Heard, David Lyons, Tom Savage, Brett Deacon, Dan Robson, Dave Lewis, Tim Taylor, Ian Clark  

The Saracens juggernaut showed no signs of suffering summer blues as the defending champions booked their place at the final of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership 7s at the Stoop in a fortnight where they will be joined by London Wasps.ames Short was the star of the show running in five tries in two drubbings of Wasps and Northampton before Scott Spurling’s last-gasp effort earned a third win in a cracker against Gloucester. That late try was enough to end Gloucester’s hopes of making the final on August 5, an under-par performance in their second game against Wasps proving decisive. But for former England U20s winger Short the evening was just more proof that Sarries are going to be a force to be reckoned with again this season. “We came in after winning this event last year, and obviously the Premiership final as well, so every tournament we enter, we want to win,” said Short. “I’ve really been looking forward to it, and it was a great performance for us. “Pace is a massive aid to my game but at Sarries the key is work rate, we pride ourselves on it and I think that was on show again. “Now we have the Stoop coming up, and we’ll be looking to win that.” Hosts Northampton made a poor start to the tournament when they threw away a half-time lead against a Mark Woodrow inspired Gloucester and fell to a 26-14 defeat. Scores from Anders Mogensen and Scott Armstrong had the home side in front but Gloucester responded with four tries of their own from Woodrow, Gareth Evans twice and Fred Burdon. Saracens then opened up their defence with a convincing 22-14 win against London rivals Wasps, Short and Chris Wyles scoring two tries apiece. Wasps bounced back from that defeat in style as they put Gloucester to the sword in a five-try 31-5 victory. Scores from Will Robinson, Joseph Tariperiajua and Charlie Ingalls saw the London side take a comfortable lead before late tries from Mark Billings and Jonah Holmes added a touch of gloss to the scoreline. Sarries’ try-scoring form continued into their second game as Short really cut loose, running in a hattrick of tries in a 29-7 win against a demoralised Northampton. Then in the encounter of the night a last-gasp score by Saracens hooker Spurling saw the defending champions seal their passage through to the final at the expense of Gloucester. In a quite enthralling game Saracens made it three wins from three as they emerged 28-22 victors against a Cherry and White side who pushed them all the way. In the final game of the round a fine Tariperiajua try inspired Wasps to an impressive 19-7 win against hosts Northampton that confirmed their place in the final alongside Saracens. The London side knew that to go through they had to beat a Saints outfit that were only playing for pride and they bounced back from an early Tom Collins score to emerge comfortable victors. Tickets for every round of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series are available through Ticketmaster /www.ticketmaster.co.uk http:// www.ticketmaster.co.uk/or by calling 0844 847 2492

The 22-year-old extended a prolific scoring streak on his England Saxons debut last weekend, touching down in the record-breaking 87-8 win against the USA.

Eighteen tries in 29 club games this season – 14 in 14 in 2011 – earned him selection for this month’s Churchill Cup and the Saxons now face Tonga at Kingsholm on Sunday (2.30pm) before taking on either Canada, Italy A or Russia at Worcester on the tournament’s June 18 finals day.

The call came the day after Gloucester’s Aviva Premiership semi final defeat at Saracens and helped ease some of the hurt inflicted by that 12-10 defeat at Vicarage Road.

“It was one of my goals this season to break into the first team and I feel like I’ve done that,” said Sharples.

“I’ve played a lot of rugby and ended up being picked up by the Saxons so overall I’m pretty pleased.

“I’ve been able to score some tries and that’s down to Gloucester and the brand of rugby we’ve been playing. It’s allowed me to show what I can do. As a winger, that’s all you can ask for.”

Sharples duly stepped up into a Saxons squad with an average age of 23 years, nine months and was reunited with former England Under 20 colleagues like Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins), Alex Goode (Saracens) and his Gloucester housemate Henry Trinder.

“I’d been told I was going well and that I was on their radar by the Saxons, so I knew I was in the mix but it was still a nice surprise and good for me in particular when I got the call the day after we lost to Saracens from Stuart Lancaster,” he added.

“We’d come so close in that game but we knew we’d underperformed and made some basic errors. It’s difficult when you’ve lost by two points and know you could have played better.

“Overall we achieved most of our goals this season, though, we won a trophy in the LV= Cup, finished in the top four and people were writing us off early in the season when we’d had a dodgy spell so we came through that well and proved a few people wrong.

“It was still a tough pill to swallow and now we’ve got to kick on next season, get in the top four and then go on from there. We’re back in the Heineken Cup in a good group.

"Toulouse I’ve never played against and it will be good to have them over here and to go over there and see where we are as a side.”