David Humphreys departure means Gloucester are seeking a new head coach

David Humphreys will leave his position as director of rugby at Gloucester at the end of this month.
By Sports Desk
Published 2nd Jun 2020, 19:12 BST
Updated 2nd Jun 2020, 19:14 BST
Gloucester Director of Rugby David HumphreysGloucester Director of Rugby David Humphreys
Gloucester Director of Rugby David Humphreys

Humphreys swapped Ulster for Gloucester in June 2014 and, in his first season, the Cherry and Whites won the 2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup while they finished third in last year’s Gallagher Premiership.

But Gloucester have won only four of their 13 top-flight fixtures in this campaign, currently on hold because of coronavirus, and Johan Ackermann stepped down from his role as head coach last month.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That prompted Humphreys to consider his position, with the former Ireland fly-half coming to the conclusion that he too should step aside and allow a new coaching set-up a clean slate.

Humphreys told Gloucester’s official website: “It has been a huge honour to have played a small part in the history of this great club. I have loved every minute of my time here and have been very fortunate to work with great coaches and support staff, and with great players.

“However, following Johan Ackermann’s departure last month, I took some time to review my own position at Gloucester and in light of many new challenges facing professional rugby as a result of Covid-19, I felt it was the right time for me to move on and a new head coach to come in and build on the work that has been done.

“It is always difficult to leave somewhere that has become home and I will always be very grateful to everyone in the West Country for the very warm welcome they gave to both me and my family.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gloucester announced chief executive officer Lance Bradley will lead the search for a new head coach, with an appointment and new coaching structure expected to be announced in early July.

Chairman Martin St Quinton added: “It’s been a real pleasure getting to know David during his time at Gloucester, both from a professional and a personal point of view.

“Over the last few weeks we’ve discussed the future of the club going forward, and I fully respect his decision that now is the time for him to move on.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:GloucesterUlsterIreland