Exiles to ‘consider options’ as Skivington named as Gloucester’s new head coach

LONDON IRISH has said the club will ‘consider all its options’ after Gloucester announced the appointment of George Skivington as their new head coach.

But Skivington is under contract with the Exiles until the summer of 2021 and the club claims that there was no formal approach from Gloucester to speak to the Irish coach about the position.

He has been a forwards coach at Hazelwood since retiring from the field in 2016.

London Irish chief executive Brian Facer says it appears that Premiership Rugby protocols have been broken.

“To saywe are disappointed with Gloucester’s announcement is an understatement,” said Facer.

“However, the protocols are clear that a club must be approached in writing when there are more than six months remaining on the relevant contract, regardless of whether it is a player or coach.

“George is under contract with London Irish until June 2021 and has not served us with the required notice period, nor have the terms of his contract been breached.

“More importantly, at no point have we received any proactive communication whatsoever from Gloucester.

“We therefore believe that Gloucester have breached the Premiership Rugby Code of Conduct regarding inducement and approaches to a contracted player, member of coaching staff and other contracted person.

“This is a most serious issue so, accordingly, we are reserving our rights to consider all our options under the Premiership Rugby governance protocols and other avenues of redress.”

Meanwhile, a statement released by Gloucester Rugby claims: “Gloucester Rugby openly advertised its Head Coach role in the usual way. George Skivington (“GS”) was the stand out candidate following that process

“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.”

The club added that it would continue to seek to engage with London Irish.