Prem 2026-27 preview – Gloucester: Title odds, key players and squad changes

By Peter Ryan

The countdown to a new Prem season is truly on, and the teams are looking to leave it all out on the pitch.

Gloucester are a team that have been written off by the bookmakers.

Last season, they were a side that could produce fantastic performances but struggled with consistency.

The side will look to prove the doubters wrong and have a spectacular season.

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Last season

As stated previously, some weekends, Gloucester were amazing, but on others they struggled.

Their attack was dazzling, with the ability to go across the pitch in the blink of an eye.

There was no shortage of spectacular rugby from Gloucester, with some truly memorable tries lighting up their season.

Yet the challenge remained turning those moments of magic into victories on the scoreboard.

They finished the season in eighth place, with five wins and 13 losses.

Even though they didn’t achieve the results they would have wanted, there were still flashes of brilliance from individuals.

Key players

Charlie Atkinson established himself as a force last season.

The fly-half led the club in points with 53 points. Few statistics demonstrate his attacking impact better than these.

With 842 metres carried, 47 defenders beaten, 16 offloads and a joint-high 16 line breaks, he consistently found ways to break open defences and make his presence felt.

In the forward pack, Seb Atkinson was a workhorse, making 188 carries and 181 tackles.

He was also a menace around the breakdown, producing an abundance of turnovers.

The likes of Will Joseph, Ben Redshaw and Ben Loader were making metres and crossing the try line.

Players such as Freddie Thomas and Afolabi Fasogbon were steadfast in their defence and worked hard for the team.

Gloucester have the talent to get results. They have suffered some major losses but have brought in some serious talent.

Squad changes

The loss of Tomos Williams is massive for Gloucester. He was a vital part of the team’s identity.

The Welshman led the team with 729 passes, 122 kicks and 11 assists. This has left a question mark at the scrum-half position.

Gloucester have recruited strongly, bringing in the Welsh duo of Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, who will bring energy to the forward pack.

The team has also brought in Jean Kleyn, Joe Joyce, Phil Cokanasiga and Dan Robson.

They are building depth and will look for an impressive season.

The odds

The bookmakers have Gloucester coming into the season at 30/1 odds.

This suggests that it could be a rough season for Gloucester fans. However, they have a squad that is capable of notable things.

Gloucester have never been short of entertainment, ambition or attacking firepower.

When everything clicks, they are box office.

The challenge now is finding that rhythm consistently, because if they do, Gloucester will not just entertain; they will be a force to be reckoned with.

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