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Fans divided as Gloucester unveil new crest and it's very similar to a Premiership rival
By Nathaniel Cope
Gloucester Rugby have revealed a new logo and in doing so also reserved a dig for their West Country rivals Bristol.
"No name changes" Gloucester quipped when making the announcement on Twitter, after Bristol took criticism from some quarters over their rebrand to Bristol Bears.
The club undertook a review of the clubs brand last summer and the new crest has been given the thumbs up by the board. But some fans have hit out over its similarities with Leicester Tigers crest.
One Twitter user called @Stockoglaws said "I wonder how long it took the ex Leicester marketing guy / girl to come up with that logo"
Another used described it as a "Rip off of the Tigers badge!"
But the club defended the re-brand decision saying on their website: "The Gloucester Rugby brand was seen as a key element in terms of the future success of the club and it became clear that the brand had evolved however, there were some omissions that made the brand difficult to work with."
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The use of the Lion on the crest was also explained.
"The Lion is a symbol that has been part of the Gloucester Rugby logo for some time. The Lion is a symbol that is on the Gloucester City crest, the original badge Gloucester Rugby used before we had to develop a new logo in 2007 as we could not trademark the city crest."
"Those familiar will also know we have a bar just behind “The Shed”, called the Lion’s Den (the only original standing building on the Kingsholm site) and our mascot is a Lion called Kingsley so there has been a link with Lions for many years. However, as already stated we are not changing our name – we remain Gloucester Rugby."
The club also released a statement with Martin St. Quinton, Chairman of Gloucester Rugby, stating:
"The over-riding aim of Gloucester Rugby is to be a highly successful Club which our supporters can be proud of, now and for many years to come. Success on the field and off the field go hand in hand. A great amount of thought, care, respect and work has gone into this and I and all at the Club who have been involved in this work believe what has been developed will provide Gloucester Rugby with the right tools for the future
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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