Gloucester academy signs future stars
Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:03
Charlie Simpson-Daniel and Freddie Burns are the star names in the new intake at Gloucester's Academy for the 2008/09 season.
Charlie, the younger brother of Gloucester's England winger James Simpson-Daniel, is a scrumhalf and has just finished his A Level exams at Sedbergh School.
He will be one of 10 players taken into the Academy set-up on one-year contracts by manager Mark Cornwell.
"These are some of the brightest talents in the country, of that there can be no question," said Cornwell. "We are creating an environment, not only at first team level, that encourages these players to join Gloucester.
"The Academy system and the club is generating a reputation as a breeding ground for young, talented players and that is something we want to work on and improve.
"At senior level, players like Ryan Lamb, Nick Wood and Olly Morgan are testament to what we are trying to achieve and we are all hugely excited by the prospect of working with these players next season."
Flyhalf Burns joins Gloucester from rivals Bath and has already represented England at Under-18 level and is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the country.
Shaun Knight is an England Under-18 tight-head prop and will be joined by his Red Rose team-mate, loose-head prop Yann Thomas, who has also played for Weston-super-Mare.
Lock Danny Wright, who also has England Under-18 experience, scrumhalf Jordi Pasqualin from King's School and England Under-18 Conference squad and wing Ollie Winterbottom, who also represented the Conference squad a year early, all join Gloucester's Academy.
Completing the intake is Dave Blackwell, England Under-18 hooker, Hartpury College centre Jonny May, Tristan Roberts, a flyhalf, who helped Cinderford to promotion last season and has represented England Students and Counties and Guy Thompson, an openside flanker from UWIC University.
"We are fortunate to be working with such a talented group of individuals," said Cornwell.
"They will come into contact with the senior squad, be exposed to what is required to make it at the top level and represent the club.
"This is a great opportunity for them and something we are all looking forward to."
Meanwhile, Gloucester has confirmed they will play both Cardiff Blues and the Glasgow Warriors in pre-season.
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
