Legend Terry Fanolua is backing new-look Gloucester Rugby

Gloucester Rugby legend Terry Fanolua believes the club have a bright future following a major recruitment drive – but he has urged them to make Kingsholm a fortress again.

The former centre has welcomed the arrivals of new director of rugby David Humphreys and coaches Nick Walshe and John Muggleton as the Kingsholm club look to bounce back from a disappointing 2013/14 Premiership campaign which led to the sacking of Nigel Davies.

Fanolua, now a full-time community coach at Gloucester, is expecting an improved performance from the Cherry and Whites in the upcoming season.

“It was disappointing last year watching, especially at Kingsholm,” he said.

“Every Gloucester player needs to understand the importance of winning at home.

“I think we’ve got away from that recently and that’s something they need to get back and make Kingsholm a difficult place for anyone to come and play.

“The future looks bright at Gloucester, especially with recruiting all the new coaches. They’ve got some quality coaches coming in, plus they’ve recruited well with the players.

“So it’s a season I’m looking forward to and hopefully they’ll do well.”

Fanolua was speaking at the launch of Gloucester’s HITZ programme, in Bishop’s Cleeve, which is aimed at helping young people channel their energies in the right direction.

A national programme overseen by Premiership Rugby, events will take place across Gloucestershire featuring rugby-related activities geared towards providing young people with the skills to get back into education, undergo vocational training or find employment.

Fanolua said: “I was asked by Gary Little to join his community team at Gloucester.

“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do, to get back into Gloucester Rugby again. It’s the place I want to be.

“The HITZ programme is something I’m interested in because it’s a perfect option for kids who could be standing around the streets.

“They can come and enjoy themselves and have a bit of fun at same time as learning a few things you need in the workforce and life in general.

“It’s going to be an experience for me but I’m looking forward to it.”

Fanolua, 37, made a surprise playing return with Hartpury RFC last season but he has now hung up his boots.

“Unfortunately my rugby days are over now,” he said.

“I just want to be concentrate on doing a bit of coaching.

“My body just can’t take the hits anymore and it takes me a while to recover after each match.

“I enjoyed it at Hartpury, there’s a lot of young talent down there and they’ve got a bright future ahead.”

Community manager Gary Little said he was thrilled Fanolua, who lives in Gloucester, had agreed to join his team at Kingsholm and he was sure the Samoan would be a success.

“To have Tezza on board as part of the community team is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“He’s a legend of Gloucester Rugby and it’s great that he treats this area as his home. I’m sure he’s going to get lots of enjoyment out of this, as the kids will too.

“The HITZ programme is about engaging with young people.

“Yes, they’ll play a bit of rugby, but it’s not just about the rugby.

“It’s about getting fit and active, having fun and doing something positive with their time.”

Article source: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Rugby-Union-Eccleshall-appoint-Steve-Dolphin-new/story-21291258-detail/story.html

Legend Terry Fanolua is backing new-look Gloucester Rugby