In final after up-and-down league season

bitions to be in that top six and top four in a couple of years, and this (European final) is a stepping stone towards that.

“It builds belief and confidence in the squad that we can do that. That has shown in the last couple of weeks and it would be a great boost to get over the line on Friday.”

Twelvetrees accepts that having such a wealth of experience alongside him is critical for Gloucester, both now and moving forward into next season.

“The good thing about this team is we have a lot of guys who have been there and done it,” he said.

“John Afoa is a World Cup winner, Greig Laidlaw is Scotland captain, James Hook has 77 caps, Richard Hibbard is a Test (British and Irish) Lion.

“The boys want to play for each other, we have huge belief in what we’re doing. All 23 players on a match-day want to put their bodies on the line.

“It’s winner takes all on Friday and it will be the same for Edinburgh. These big games are where players have to stand up, and it’s where you want to stand up and be counted.”

Gloucester are set to announce their team for the final today, with back-row forward Sione Kalamafoni their major fitness concern following last weekend’s Premiership win against Newcastle.

Tonga international Kalamafoni has a leg injury, and Humphreys said: “He is working with our medical team and we will see how he progresses. He is the biggest doubt.” l Former England international back Simon Halliday has been appointed as independent chairman of European Professional Club Rugby.

EPCR, which organises the European Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions, announced that 54-year-old Halliday will take up his role from next Monday.

EPCR also confirmed that Swiss national Vincent Gaillard is to become the organisation’s director general.

Gaillard, 45, will be based at EPCR headquarters in Neuchatel, Switzerland. His previous roles include that of a senior executive with Coca-cola, where he managed sponsorship portfolios for the Olympic Games, Rugby World Cup and Fifa World Cup.

EPCR’S inaugural finals take place this week, with Gloucester and Edinburgh contesting the Challenge Cup final tomorrow, followed by an all-french Champions Cup showdown between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon at Twickenham on Saturday.