Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Statement: Gloucester Rugby issue response to London Irish legal threat

Joe Simpson celebrates his second try against Toulouse at Kingsholm. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Gloucester Rugby have responded to last night’s statement by London Irish in which the club threatened to sue the Cherry and Whites over the signing of new head coach George Skivington.

ADVERTISEMENT

The statement released by London Irish following the public unveiling of Skivington by Gloucester read: “London Irish Chief Executive Brian Facer says that the club will reserve the right to consider all its options following Gloucester’s announcement regarding the appointment of George Skivington as their new Head Coach.

“The news from Kingsholm comes despite Skivington being under contract with London Irish until summer 2021 and there having been no approach – whether informal or formal – from Gloucester’s management to London Irish’s management requesting permission to talk to the former England Saxon.”

Video Spacer

Rugby will be back…

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 2:23
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 2:23
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Rugby will be back…

    It went on to express disappointment at the rival club. You can read the full statement here.

    Now Gloucester have responded in kind, explaining their position and the circumstances by which Skivington came into the role. “Gloucester Rugby has seen the statement from London Irish of 27 June 2020.

    “In light of the comments made in that statement, Gloucester Rugby wishes to clarify the position:

    “Gloucester Rugby openly advertised its Head Coach role in the usual way. George Skivington (“GS”) was the stand out candidate following that process.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “Gloucester Rugby understood that GS was not restricted contractually from joining the club. Gloucester Rugby, nevertheless, directly and straightforwardly sought clarification of London Irish’s position. That clarification has not been forthcoming.

    “Gloucester Rugby is therefore surprised and disappointed by both the contents of statement from London Irish, and the forum in which it was released, not least in view of the proactive efforts made by Gloucester Rugby during the course of this week.

    “Gloucester Rugby will continue to seek to engage with London Irish, through the appropriate channels. Gloucester Rugby urges London Irish to do the same.

    “Gloucester Rugby will make no further comment.”

    London Irish could seek a transfer fee from Gloucester for the signing, in what could be an amicable end to the debacle for both parties.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    Play Video

    South Africa vs Black Ferns XV | Women's International | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    England vs Spain | Women's International | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | Second Match | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    Ireland vs Scotland | Women's International | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    Should the Lions’ last-minute try have stood? | Whistle Watch

    Play Video

    Lions Share | Episode 6

    Play Video

    KOKO Show | July 29th | George Gregan Stops by to lift spirits after the MCG Madness

    Play Video

    Historic Lions Series win at the MCG | Ep 7: The Ultimate Test

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    0 Comments
    Be the first to comment...

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Long Reads

    Comments on RugbyPass

    J
    JW 1 hour ago
    Mick Cleary: 'These blokes have done the jersey proud, with their buy-in and with their relish.'

    Jesus PR that’s another great conclusion. I can definitely see it as blocker to bringing through new talent in time for the WC. NZ underwent a lot of change in 2018 following the Lions tour, in part thanks to key injuries. Despite the revenue spending Aaron Cruden (getting frail even at his young age then) and Lima Sopoaga (along with Julien Savea), 2 of the 3 1st5s in the Lions squad, both left before the 2019 WC for example. But when we apply your logic, their delayed departure prevented Richie Mounga and Damien McKenzie (the 15 who got injured and threw a spanner in the works) from brought through in what would possible now be considered the preferred WC preparation. Ditto on the win with a scramble of constant change their all the way through to their WC 3rd/4th playoff.


    Theres certainly cause to account for certain circumstances eventuating being influenced by a Lions tour. But as both nations here select from domestic players only, theres also cause to put similar emphasis on the contracting model in general, as sometimes you can hold on too long. Ireland has a similar model, talking to another irishman here he suggests it has lead to selecting based on contracts, money being spent on a player centrally contracted. So I would not so much worry about fatigue (in part because some incomplete analysis I had done on all.rugby shows the Irish contingent have low minutes this year) but continuing to select underperforming and aging players. When in a pure context of building for a WC, one would normally want to move on an develop the future.

    23 Go to comments
    TRENDING
    TRENDING The top five signings ahead of the new Gallagher PREM season The top five signings ahead of the new Gallagher PREM season