Gloucester Rugby: Sinbad one of five to re-sign

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GLOUCESTER have rung in 2014 by re-signing a quintet of players including crocked star James Simpson-Daniel.

The 31-year-old is currently sidelined following surgery on his left ankle after dislocating and fracturing the joint against Newcastle Falcons in November.

He faces at least another three months out of action and there were fears for his career following the sickening break. But he has handed the Cherry and Whites a significant boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with Saracens by putting pen to paper on a contract extension.

The jet-heeled wing has made more than 250 appearances for the club since making his debut 14 seasons ago and is already considered a Kingsholm legend.

He has been joined by fellow flier Charlie Sharples and forwards Darren Dawidiuk, Shaun Knight and Elliot Stooke in recommitting to the club.

Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “I’m delighted that all five of them have committed their futures to Gloucester Rugby.

“Charlie, Darren, James and Shaun have been a big part of the club’s success in recent years and Elliott has a huge future in front of him.

“It’s been a busy couple of months for us on top of the re-signings announced before Christmas and the arrivals next season of John Afoa and Richard Hibbard.

“The players can see where the club is heading, and are excited to be a part of that going forward. Their commitment speaks volumes.

“And, once again, it’s a testimony to the hard work and commitment of everyone at the club. We’re able to invest significantly in our team thanks to the backing of our board, the continued financial success of Gloucester Rugby and the significant investment made by our partners, sponsors and supporters.”

The retention of the fantastic five is a major bonus for Davies following the departure of Akupusi Qera to Toulouse and the impending loss of Freddie Burns to Leicester Tigers.

There had been doubts whether Gloucester possessed the financial clout to hold onto both Simpson-Daniel and Sharples but duo will continue to run riot at Kingsholm for the foreseeable future.

Sharples, who has been capped four times by England, boasts an impressive strike rate with a staggering 47 tries in 108 starts for the club.

Meanwhile Dawidiuk has been rewarded for the fine form that saw him named man-of-the-match in the slender derby victory over Worcester Warriors last month.

The abrasive hooker is in his fifth season with the Cherry and Whites and has made 80 appearances since making the switch from Cornish Pirates.

Fellow front-row forward Knight has also been handed a new deal with both players relishing the opportunity to learn from new recruits Hibbard and Afoa.

Finally, 20-year-old academy star Stooke has been bumped up following a meteoric rise.

The former Stow lock was part of the England Under-20 squad that won the Junior World Championship in June and he has since established himself in the Gloucester engine room.

He capped his first Premiership start with a try against Northampton Saints and has made 15 competitive appearances in which he has grown in prominence on each occasion.

Davies’ recruitment and retention plans are set to continue in the coming weeks with several other key players out of contract and fly-halves at the top of his shopping list.

Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland and Bayonne star Stephen Brett are among the contenders for number 10 should Burns’ move be confirmed.

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23007005

Gloucester Rugby: Sinbad one of five to re-sign