"We've got lads right on the cusp" – Gloucester head coach Skivington did not expect any England call-ups this Autumn
Yesterday at 06:03 AM
By Harrison Clifford
Gloucester Rugby head coachGeorge Skivington says he wasn’t expecting any of his players to be called up, for Steve Borthwick's England squad ahead of the 2024 Autumn internationalseries.
Borthwick’s 36-man England squad was announced yesterday, but the Cherry and Whites won’t be losing any of their squad to represent England at the Allianz Stadium throughout November. Despite his will for international call-ups in his squad, Skivington is not shocked by the choices made by the England head coach.
"I don't think anyone was necessarily expecting to be in right now." He said. "We've got lads right on the cusp of it. I think the way we're playing is showcasing [the players] talent."
Skivington did express his desire to see his players represent their respective countries in order to improve the team.
"I actually would prefer having players in there, and I think there's a real benefit to having a group of internationals go away and then come back and bring a different energy with them. I saw that in my career as a player. But we're not there yet. But like I said, I actually believe there is a good crew of lads who will be there in a couple of years."
Gloucester Rugby will face Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, who hold England internationals Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, George Martin, and Freddie Steward. Gloucester have won the last two fixtures against for former Premiership champions, one of which resulting in winning the 2023/24 Premiership Rugby Cup on home soil.
George Skivington reflected on the team’s performance at Welford Road last season. "That was obviously a good day for us. We were brave that day in how we played, and how we approached. We were coming off winning the Premiership Cup, and I was really proud with how the lads backed it up the following week."
The away fixture will be a challenge since Leicester Tigers beat reigning Premiership champions Northampton Saints, and Skivington is aware of the test he faces in his opponent head coach, Michael Cheika. "He know's what he's doing, he's done it many times. He's no doubt got a good plan!"
He also spoke about Leicester's victory the previous week, "I thought Leicester were very good, they dominated some key statistical parts of the game and looked very strong. Let's go up there and see what we can achieve."
Skivington spoke about how he put's loads pressure on himself but his job to the players is to make sure that the players have the right amount of pressure for the games.
"I don't think the pressure is there to beat Leicester back to back, the pressure is always to win. If we could go back to back beating Leicester it would be a massive achievement in itself."
"We're willing to take some risks, we're willing to take some moments within the game. It's an exciting challenge!"
