26 AUGUST 2013 – Gloucester Rugby has announced four players who, with dual registration, have been loaned to play for Cinderford RFC and join the Foresters 2013/14 squad. Dual registration allows players to play for Gloucester and now also Cinderford RFC.
Tom Heard, a regular face in Cinderford’s front row, is back as tight head prop and very well versed with the Cinderford brand of rugby. In the forwards pack he is joined by Tom Hicks in the second row, and hooker, Ryan Charles. Reece Boughton comes to Cinderford as scrum half.
Said Nigel Davies, director of rugby at Gloucester Rugby: “I am pleased to announce the loan players to Cinderford, as part of our expanding relationship delivering benefits to both clubs. I have said before that I believe they can push on up and reach the top tier of this competitive league and we are pleased to support them in their National 1 campaign, the third tier of English rugby.”
“But central to this is our elite player development programme. It’s our objective to ensure that all Gloucester players in the squad have a clear and progressive career pathway that also sees them playing in Gloucester ‘A’ games. By playing for Cinderford these guys will gain vital rugby game time to further develop their skills and ability. You can train as hard as you can but it’s not the same as playing in matches, and it is important that all our players get competitive rugby on a regular basis.”
Said Andy Deacon, Cinderford’s director of rugby: “We already have had Tom Heard with us for a couple of seasons and to see how he has developed as a tough prop is impressive. We are glad to have him back alongside Tom (Hicks), Ryan and Reece who have been at training mid-week and we welcome them into the squad. The aim is to fast track their development so they are knocking on the doors for a First XV place at Gloucester.”
“We have a positive and close relationship with Gloucester Rugby working with Nigel, Alex Brown and Bucko. This partnership presents opportunities for players in both directions! Just recently we loaned Nev Codlin to Gloucester for the JP Morgan 7s and we all know how successful that was. Last season we had a healthy number of Cinderford players running out in a cherry & white shirt for the Gloucester ‘A’ team.”
The Gloucester Rugby / Cinderford RFC relationship is not a new one and these players follow in the footsteps of the likes of Freddie Burns, Henry Trinder, Shaun Knight, Yann Thomas who have played for the Foresters along the way as part of their flourishing careers.
On Wednesday 28th August there is an exciting mid-week friendly against Matson RFC First XV, at Cinderford’s home ground, and all are welcome to support. Next weekend sees the last pre-season friendly away to Championship side Cornish Pirates, while Cinderford United travels to Wiltshire to take on National Division 3 Chippenham RFC. The National 1 league starts on 7th September v Rosslyn Park followed by more home games at the end of the month against newcomers to the league, Hull Ionians and Doncaster.