Skivington excited by ‘matured’ Hastings signing but admits team was shocked by Cipriani exit

Gloucester head coach George Skivington has described new recruit Adam Hastings as a “a top international fly-half ” who has room for improvement.

Skivington also says there is" no smoke or mirrors" surrounding Danny Cipriani's departure from the Gallagher Premiership club. England international fly-half Cipriani - who joined Gloucester from Wasps in 2018 - has left Kingsholm with immediate effect.

Gloucester have moved quickly to fill the void in their squad by recruiting Scotland international Hastings from Glasgow Warriors for next season.

Asked about the signing of Hastings, Sk iv ing ton said: "He has matured as a player impeccably over the last couple of years and developed into a top international fly-half.

"The most exciting part for us is that he has still got plenty of room for development as well.

"He has now built up a considerable amount of domestic and international experience, which will prove invaluable to the squad."

Hastings has big boots to fill after the departure of Cipriani, who said on his official Twitter account that he had made the decision "after much deliberation" and had "mixed emotions about it" but was "excited for the challenges I have ahead".

Sk iv ing ton confirmed to reporters that he had been in discussions with 33-year-old Cipriani, who has not played for Gloucester since November 21, over the last few weeks.

"Danny thought it was time for a new challenge, and we fully support him in that ," Skivington said ." We shook hands, and Danny is off to whatever his next challenge is.

"I am pleased for Danny. He has been a great servant to the club, and he can push on and challenge himself in whatever route he chooses to go down.

"A player of his quality is great to watch when he is in full flow. I am sure the fans will have plenty of nice messages for him, and they will appreciate what he did when he was here.

"It is a shock to everyone outside the inner circle, if you like. We kept it in-house until Danny had decided exactly what he wanted to do.

"It is what it is, to be honest with you. There is no smoke or mirrors to it.

"There has been no incident or any fall-out or anything of that nature.”