Gloucester Rugby: The men being linked to number 10

FROM the moment there were doubts over Freddie Burns’ future at Gloucester a host of fly-halves have been linked to Kingsholm.

Danny Cipriani is the latest name to be thrown into the hat, but it is understood a move for the former England maverick is unlikely.

The 26-year-old is in fine form at Sale Sharks and has another year to run on his contract.

There are also doubts over whether he fits the criteria Nigel Davies is looking for as he bids to restore the old school Cherry and White values and attributes.

Nonetheless speculation over who will fill the number 10 jersey at Castle Grim next season is sure to intensify.

Nigel Davies has already revealed he aims to bring in two players to compete for the number 10 jersey.

Davies is likely to opt for one stellar signing, while bringing in a second candidate who can cover other positions.

Jonny Bentley, Billy Burns and Billy Twelvetrees will provide further cover, while Ryan Mills appears set for the exit door.

Below we look at the players who have been linked with the Cherry and Whites and assess the chances of them joining the club.

Olly Barkley (32) – Grenoble

The former England international is set to be released by Grenoble in the summer and has previously played for Gloucester.

But he has never hit the same heights as he did during his early days at Bath and his previous spell at Gloucester was an unhappy one.

Barkley is unlikely to be the front-line signing but there is no doubt he would provide impressive cover.

Stephen Brett (28) – Bayonne:

The New Zealander possesses the all-round game Gloucester crave and oozes class. Had Brett qualified for any other country there is little doubt he would have been a regular international.

He has however failed to fire at Bayonne, who face a relegation battle, and landed himself in hot water with the club earlier this season.

Brett was involved in the alleged booze-fuelled incident that saw Wales scrum-half leave the Basque club.

But Brett fits the bill in terms of age, experience and ability.

Danny Cipriani (26) – Sale Sharks:

The former golden boy of English rugby has rediscovered his form since returning from Melbourne Rebels with Sale Sharks.

He has another year to run on his deal at the AJ Bell Stadium and you have to question why he would want to leave after finally appearing to fulfil his potential following so many set-backs. A move to Gloucester would also involve a transfer fee.

Further to that, does Cipriani fit the direction Nigel Davies wants to take the club?

Sam Davies (20) – Ospreys:

The reigning IRB Junior World Player of the Year and son of Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies – the links are obvious.

Davies has enjoyed plenty of game-time for the Ospreys this season, but with the ability to play fly-half and full-back he is the perfect fit for back-up at Kingsholm.

The former Wales Under-20s star penned a three-year development deal with the Ospreys in 2011 but that expires this summer.

Santiago Fernandez (28) – Bayonne:

The Argentina utility back was signed as a medical joker by Bayonne after falling down the pecking order at Montpellier.

Fernandez was part of Los Pumas Rugby Championship squad and has the ability to play at fly-half or inside centre.

The deal signed with the Basque club was short-term and like Brett, Bayonne’s plight in the Top14 could have implications.

Johan Goosen (21) – Cheetahs (South Africa)

The young South African fly-half would have been a monumental coup for the Cherry and Whites.

Goosen is one of the hottest fly-half properties in the game and has already been capped by the Springboks.

Injuries have seen the Grey College graduate sidelined for much of this season but he possesses an abundance of ability.

However it is understood Goosen is no longer on Gloucester’s radar due to a number of factors including visa red tape.

Tom Heathcote (21) – Bath:

The Scottish international put pen to paper on a three-year deal just 12 months ago but has been playing second fiddle to George Ford at the Rec.

With Gavin Henson set to be released by the old enemy in the summer they will also be determined to hold onto Heathcote.

There is no doubt he packs plenty of potential but does he have the experience to steer the Cherry and Whites? Or would he swap being second-choice in Bath to a similar role at Kingsholm?

Matthew Morgan (21) – Ospreys

The diminutive play-maker is one of the most exciting players in the game. He would certainly be a back-up fly-half and he ticks the box of being able to cover other positions.

Morgan is out of contract in the summer and is desperate for more game-time after falling behind Sam Davies in the pecking order.

But the Ospreys are keen to hang onto the mercurial attacker and it is believed there has been no contact from Gloucester.

Rhys Priestland (27) – Scarlets:

The Wales fly-half is out of contract in the summer and is a perfect fit for the number 10 vacancy. Priestland has rediscovered his form in recent months and has the necessary balance of control and flair.

But he is likely to be in high demand, with London Wasps also interested in his signature. The news that Sam Warburton has signed a central contract with the Welsh Rugby Union could also have implications, with Priestland one of six players earmarked for deals.

Nicolas Sanchez (25) – Bordeaux-Begles:

Sanchez signed for the Top 14 club in 2011, having come through the ranks of South Africa-based Pampas XV.

He is out of contract in the summer and Bordeaux have confirmed he will not be offered a new deal.

But Sanchez is desperate to sign for a top level English or French club to enhance his chances of representing Los Pumas at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He clearly fits the bill.

Article source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/rugby-cipriani-backed-england-return-060947490--spt.html

Gloucester Rugby: The men being linked to number 10