More than two thousands fans spend a late summer’s day at Kingsholm taking part in activities, watching open training, seeing the new shirts unveiled and meeting the players.
Fun, Games and Face Paint
August Bank Holiday 2026 was a special day for me. It was a real treat to host Gloucester Rugby’s 2026/2027 season launch event at Kingsholm.
Last season was a tough one for the Cherry and Whites with the team winding up eighth in the Prem despite a rally in the closing weeks.
But that seemed long forgotten as approximately two and a half thousand fans gathered to take part in a raft of fun activities in the gentle sunshine.
Most of the games involved throwing rugby balls into holes or crates and everyone – young and less young – seemed to be loving the challenge.
Face painting was also offered and lots of kids were sporting spectacular decorations.
The mood was upbeat and optimistic as the drinks flowed and people tucked into some sensational food – the loaded fries looked especially tasty.
Talking on a giant screen
I didn’t have time to eat sadly – I was a busy man! My duties kicked off inside the stadium interviewing key figures pitch side with our conversations broadcast on the big screens. My new moustache looking six feet in diameter!
Firstly I spoke to the tanned and toned head coach George Skivington who projected a very positive and upbeat message – a feeling then echoed by CEO Alex Brown.
I stand six feet tall. But given both Brown and Skivington tower above six and a half feet, I felt decidedly diminutive.
This feeling only amplified as the supremely conditioned mountainous players were put through their paces a few feet behind us.
Six-foot-five-inch Wales and Gloucester centre Max LLlewellyn stopped by to elevate my sense of inferiority and chat about his hopes for the new season.
Welsh wonders bring the buzz
Both the fans, the executives, the coaches and the backroom staff seemed to have enjoyed an injection of energy over the summer, largely because of the new players added to the squad.
Wales stars Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake generated a big buzz, in particular. There were more than a few excited Valleys voices as the fans gravitated to the duo as all the players sat, pen in hand, ready to sign the supporters’ sheets.
New look Gloucester
I spoke to Dewi on stage in the fan zone as he, Ben Loader and Gloucester Hartpury female stars Molly Bunker and Nel Metcalfe paraded the club’s new home and away kits.
My final act was to reintroduce the brilliant B Flats band who played to the last as the party finally wound down in the late afternoon.
A great day. Let’s hope it’s a season to match.
I’ll be hosting big screen programming on match days in the 2026/27 season and I look forward to meeting more passionate supporters at Kingsholm.
