Gloucester Rugby hooker George McGuigan is looking forward to taking on the league leaders tomorrow evening at Kingsholm, after making his first home appearance for the club in our New Year’s Eve win over London Irish.

“They’re a very good team, I’ve played them already this season with Newcastle and they hammered us, so I’m looking forward to playing with a new bunch of players and putting our game onto them and taking it to them.

“They move the ball very well, they’ve got lots of internationals who are very good rugby players. They’re coached very well, they’re a very well drilled team, so we know we have to stick to our game plan and have our attitude ready.”

McGuigan made his first home appearance for the Cherry & Whites on New Year’s Eve and says settling in at Kingsholm hasn’t been a problem.

“It’s been quite easy to be honest, I knew a lot of the boys here anyway which was good. I’ve been good friends with Chris Harris for a long, long time, we used to live in the academy houses together up in Newcastle, so he’s helped me through the transition and like I said it’s been easy.”

The hooker said it was nice to feel the passionate Gloucester Rugby support with him for a change.

“Obviously I’ve played here quite a few times for other clubs and it’s a very hostile environment to play in, but it was great to have them behind us when we scored those late points to beat Irish, the crowd were amazing.”

The 29-year-old admitted it wasn’t the perfect game for the Cherry & Whites but was happy with how they fought for the win.

“It wasn’t the best game of rugby, it was a bit scrappy and messy. We probably didn’t utilise all of the pressure that we put on them and left some good opportunities out there, but we came away with the result.”

With injuries to senior hookers Jack Singleton & Santi Socino, McGuigan is hoping he can claim the starting hooker spot, by putting in some big performances in their absence.

“I hope I get to show what I can do and put my stamp on the 2 shirt and stake my claim on that place.”

The win over Irish meant the Cherry & Whites went into the new year I the top four, and McGuigan says that’s just where they want to be.

“We’re in the top four going into the new year, which is exactly where we want to be, it’s exciting to see where we can take it.”

Tickets for the game are available here.

McGuigan looking forward to first Cherry & Whites start

Related News