Youngsters make coach Taylor proud
ASSISTANT coach Tim Taylor is excited about the prospects of Gloucester Rugby’s young players despite seeing them miss out on the final of the Premiership Rugby Cup on Wednesday evening.
An inexperienced Cherry & Whites line-up went down 39-25 at home to a Worcester Warriors side that was much more like their first-choice XV.
Taylor said afterwards: “I’m tremendously proud of the boys, we showed excellent fight throughout the 80 minutes, and even though we didn’t get any flow throughout the second half, we kept trying.
“Defensively I thought we were really connected, but it’s important that we learn about the set-piece and our kicking game.
“What an experience for those youngsters to play against a Premiership side in front of a great crowd at Kingsholm. It will be so important for them.
“I’m so excited about this group, we’ve got a great crop there. The work they put in to prepare the first team is vital, and there will be opportunities for them.”
Duhan van der Merwe inspired Worcester came from behind to beat Gloucester.
The Cherry & Whites led at halftime through tries from Cameron Jordan and Jake Morris, but Tom Howe and Gareth Simpson scores kept Warriors in the game.
And Van der Merwe scored and assisted another Simpson try in the second half to turn the semi-final in their favour.
A penalty try and late Niall Annett score saw Warriors home.
The result means Worcester will play London Irish in the final at Brentford on May 17, after the Exiles beat Leicester on Tuesday. ■ Samoa international Alapati Leiua will leave Bristol Bears at the end of the season to join French Pro D2 side Vannes.
Utility back Leiua, 33, is what Bristol refer to as ‘A Foundation Bear’ – having been at the club since the rebranding in 2018.
The winger was one of Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam’s first signings, joining the club in 2018 and has made 101 appearances over five seasons, scoring 26 tries.
Lam said: “Alapati has truly been a fantastic servant to the Bears and a leader for our culture and environment. He’s made an immense contribution on and off the field, laying the foundations for the next chapter of the Bears’ journey. He departs with our love and best wishes and will be recognised at the final home game.”