Release date: June 28, 2020
The Londoners insist that they “consider all options” after Gloucester announced their striker coach George Skivington as the new head coach at Kingsholm.
The Cherry and Whites had previously confirmed Skivington to replace Johan Ackermann, who ended his three-year tenure last month.
Ackermann has taken on a role with the Japanese top league team NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes, and Gloucester is in the process of revising its management structure. David Humphreys will step down as club rugby director.
But the exiles were not happy with Gloucester’s appointment, suggesting that they had violated the Premiership Rugby Code of Conduct for incentives and approaches to a coach.
The exiles revealed that Skivington was under contract until the summer of 2021 and that Gloucester management had not asked for permission to speak to the trainer.
Brian Facer, Chief Executive, said on the Irish website in London: “To say that we are disappointed with Gloucester’s announcement is an understatement.
“George is very popular and respected and it is understandable that we don’t want to lose him, especially just before the game resumes after the suspension. We also know that he is an ambitious young man who would enjoy the opportunity to become head coach of a club one day.
“However, the minutes clearly show that a club must be addressed in writing if there is more than six months left for the contract, regardless of whether it is a player or a coach.
“George is under contract with London Irish until June 2021 and has not given us the necessary notice, nor has the terms of his contract been violated. More importantly, we have never received a proactive notification from Gloucester.
“We therefore believe that Gloucester has violated the Premiership Rugby Code of Conduct in terms of incentives and approaches for a contractor, coaching staff and other contractor.
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– Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) June 27, 2020
“This is an extremely serious problem. We reserve the right to review all of our options under the Premiership Rugby Governance Protocols and other remedies.”
Gloucester was asked to comment by PA news agency.
Former wasps, Leicester and London Irish Lock Skivington had previously spoken of his excitement about starting his new role in Kingsholm.
The 37-year-old told Gloucester’s website: “I was very impressed with everyone I have met at the club so far and the vision they have for the club.
“What I particularly liked was how far-reaching the vision is, from the academy to the first team to the entire club. I can’t wait to play my part in it.
“When I played, Gloucester was one of several clubs that you never wanted to visit. We want to bring that feeling back to Kingsholm.
“I looked at the squad and there are some really great players. It doesn’t have to be rebuilt, but there are obviously one or two areas that need some work.
“When Gloucester was successful, they always built on having an impressive pack.
“We need to make sure we have a package that has the reputation it used to have. If we do that, we will achieve the desired results again with the dexterity and the speed of the back that we have in the club. “
