Gloucester Rugby’s response to the legal threat posed by London Irish

Gloucester Rugby responded to last night’s London Irish statement threatening to sue Cherry and Whites for hiring new head coach George Skivington.

London Irish’s statement after Gloucester’s public disclosure of Skivington was: “Brian Facer, London Irish Chief Executive, says the club will reserve the right to exercise all of its options following Gloucester’s announcement regarding the appointment of George Skivington to check on their new head coach.

“The news comes from Kingsholm, although Skivington was under contract with London Irish until the summer of 2021 and there was no informal or formal approach between Gloucester’s management and London Irish’s management to get permission from the former English Saxon to speak.”

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It expressed his disappointment with the rival. You can read the full explanation here.

Now Gloucester has responded in kind, explaining their position and the circumstances in which Skivington got into the role. “Gloucester Rugby saw the London Irish statement of June 27, 2020.

“Given the comments made in this statement, Gloucester Rugby would like to clarify the position:

“Gloucester Rugby has openly advertised its role as head coach in the usual way. George Skivington (“GS”) was the preeminent candidate after this process.

“Gloucester Rugby understood that GS was not contractually prevented from joining the club. Gloucester Rugby, however, made a direct and uncomplicated effort to clarify the position of London Irish. This clarification was not made.

“Gloucester Rugby is therefore surprised and disappointed by both the content of the London Irish statement and the forum in which it was published, not least given Gloucester Rugby’s proactive efforts later this week.

“Gloucester Rugby will continue to try to contact London Irish through the appropriate channels. Gloucester Rugby urges the Irish to do the same.

“Gloucester Rugby will make no further comment.”

London Irish could charge a transfer fee from Gloucester for the signature, which could be an amicable end to the debacle for both sides.