Gloucester are traditionally found in the top half of the Premiership table, and last season was no different. Have they got what it takes to push on for higher honours?

Forward might has been central to that tradition. Remember the likes of Phil Vickery, Rob Fidler and Andy Deacon, and before them Phil Blakeway and Steve Boyle. Last season they were led by Jim Hamilton and powered by mountainous back rowers Ben Morgan and Sione Kalamafoni. Some may point to their exciting backline but it is these bullocking ball runners that get them over the gain line and allow Freddie Burns the time to weave his magic.

Injuries played their part last year, with Rupert Harden and Jimmy Cowan both suffering serious knee injuries. Henry Trinder missed chunks of the season and never really found his form. Despite some quality signings Gloucester look a little thin in key areas and much will depend on how they hold up. If they have everyone fit and firing at the business end of the season, they could well have a top-four finish and a shot at the playoffs. Given the variables and the quality of the teams ahead of them, another fifth place finish looks about right.

HEAD COACH – Nigel Davies

A former Welsh international centre and long-time member of Llanelli both as a player and coach, Davies is a cerebral coach rather than a taskmaster who replaced Bryan Redpath as coach last season. His sides pride themselves on preparation and smart rugby and it’s a good bet that Gloucester will be more accurate this year as they get used to what is expected. Whether he can motivate them more consistently will be the question that needs to be answered.

CAPTAIN – Tom Savage

This young man has made remarkable progress in the last year. In only his second season as a professional he emerged as one of the outstanding competitors in the league, a nailed-on starter for his club, and even stepped up into the captaincy near the end of the season. When Jim Hamilton announced he was leaving, Savage was a ready-made successor. He may not press on for international honours but that is no slight to his presence and value to his club. A top man who leads by example each time he takes the pitch.

KEY PLAYER – Akapusi Qera

The powerful Fijian has developed into a truly world class performer at Kingsholm and has added leadership qualities to his game, as evidenced by his recent appointment as captain of his country. Capable of playing all across the back row but best as a frightening tearaway, his bone crunching hits and tackle-busting running earned him a nomination for Premiership player of the year last season. Combined with Kalamafoni, Morgan, and now Matt Kvesic, Gloucester have the most dynamic back row in England.

ONE TO WATCH – Freddie Burns

The most important player in the squad, bar none, is due for a big year. Not that he has underperformed, but his skill set is so impressive it’s almost criminal that he isn’t a household name outside of England. If Burns gets front foot ball with the likes of Trinder, Jonny May, and Billy Twelvetrees outside him, it’s big trouble for opposing defences. The time is now for Fast Freddie to step up and make a real challenge for the England shirt.

BIG SIGNING – Tavis Knoyle

When big-money signing Cowan went down with his knee injury Gloucester were left to rely on youngster Dan Robson to get them through. While Robson did well enough to suggest he might be a strong long-term answer, the uncertainty surrounding Cowan’s fitness necessitated finding another quality halfback. Enter Knoyle, a big physical halfback who can challenge around the fringes with international experience and huge ambition. He gives the club real strength in depth and varying stylistic options. There should be quite a fight for the number nine jersey this season.

BIG SIGNING – Matt Kvesic

Few players have been afforded the kind of hype that Kvesic has at such a young age. He captained England u18 and made his senior Worcester debut at the age of 17. Thus far he has lived up to his promise, and impressed on the England tour to South America this summer. It must have been a difficult decision to head to Kingsholm, but one that is likely to pay off. Expect the powerful flanker to turn more heads in the cherry and white jersey this season.

BIG SIGNING – James Hudson

While Tom Savage replaces Big Jim in the captaincy role, there remained a need for a serious lineout competitor, particularly since Alex Brown was forced to retire. Look no further than the former Newcastle captain. Hudson could prove the best signing of the lot, at least for the short term, as he solidifies the set piece and acts as a mentor for top prospect Elliott Stooke.

TRANSFERS

In – Dan George (London Welsh), James Hudson (Newcastle), Tom Hicks (Northampton), Matt Kvesic (Worcester), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Jonny Bentley (Cornish Pirates), Sila Puafisi (Tasman)

Out – Tommaso D’Apice (Zebre), Dario Chistolini (Zebre), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier), Will Graulich (Cornish Pirates), Peter Buxton (retired), Rob Langley (Plymouth Albion), Dave Lewis (Exeter), Drew Locke (Jersey)