Sun 28 Jun 2020 | 05:39

SKIVINGTON: Gloucester hit back at Irish over accusations of wrongdoing

Gloucester has released a statement in response to London Irish’s claims that the club illegally approached George Skivington to hire him.

Following the news yesterday that Skivington had been named the new head coach of Gloucester in place of Johan Ackermann, Irish released a statement claiming that Gloucester had broken the Premiership Code of Conduct.

Now the Cherry & Whites have hit back with four points of clarification to defend their appointment of Skivington.

The statement read: “In light of the comments made in that statement, Gloucester Rugby wishes to clarify the position:

“1. Gloucester Rugby openly advertised its Head Coach role in the usual way. George Skivington (“GS”) was the stand out candidate following that process.

“2. 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.

"3. Gloucester Rugby is therefore surprised and disappointed by both the contents of statement from London Irish, and the forum in which it was released, not least in view of the proactive efforts made by Gloucester Rugby during the course of this week.

“4. Gloucester Rugby will continue to seek to engage with London Irish, through the appropriate channels. Gloucester Rugby urges London Irish to do the same.”