Will Butler – We have still got plenty of X-factor at Gloucester

Will Butler is adamant that life at Gloucester without Santi Carreras dishing out special on-field gifts will remain just as exciting and entertaining and with the potential to deliver silverware.

And the Gloucester centre insists the team still has plenty of ‘X-factor’ stars who can continue to take the spotlight and also the club in the direction required to fulfil their Premiership title dream.

The departure of Carreras has seen Gloucester busily recruiting a host of new summer troops including the likes of Ross Byrne, Will Joseph, Ben Loader and James Venter.

And Butler insists the team’s bid for a first English crown will remain based on an attacking, open and energetic style.

He says: “Losing Santi was obviously a huge loss. Everyone could see just how impressive he is, even on the international stage.

“His ability meant he fitted perfectly into the side’s attacking mindset. I was only at the club half a season last year but long enough to recognise the huge impact he had on all the players here and the whole Gloucester family here.

“But we are a developing squad still and there are still X-factor players here, and more will no doubt be brought in in the future for the fans to see.

“We played some incredible rugby last season and I am positive we will continue bringing the excitement and enjoyment with the way we play this time.”

Tomos Williams

There will be added pressure on Tomos Williams to reproduce the scintillating displays of last season which helped him get on the Lions plane to Australia.

The Wales scrum-half, who was last week named captain for the season, was pivotal to Gloucester’s fast, furious and fearless style as well as success.

Sadly, his Lions dream turned sour with that first game hamstring injury whilst scoring a try and he has been rehabilitating back at Kingsholm, desperately trying to be fit for the opening Premiership game at Sale Sharks in just over three weeks time.

Butler says: “It was such a shame to see his Lions tour cut short the way it was. I am sure he would have shown his real quality in the Tests.

“But he will want to put that behind him as soon as he can and get back on the field for Gloucester.

“He’s been at the club the last couple of weeks and seems to be progressing well. Like Santi, his high level of performances have just inspired all the other guys to raise their own games. He has raised the bar each week.”

Butler’s Development

Butler, 27, hopes to prove he deserves more starts this season having joined the club he supported as a boy nine months ago. He rose through the ranks at Worcester and represented England at junior level.

He says: “It’s very competitive here for places in the centre. I just want to play as much rugby and contribute as much as I can.

“Seb (Atkinson) fully deserved to win his first England cap on the summer tour, and also got his first try. It’s going to be a tough situation to get as many starts as I’d like. But on the flip side when I do get the opportunity I can show people I deserve it.”

By Gary Fitzgerald