Skivington indicated that Gloucester ; Argentina international Santi Carreras is in a race against time to help Gloucester’s bid for a third European Challenge Cup when they face the South African Sharks in the final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24.
Carreras was first-choice fullback for the Cherries and Whites and was also the Pumas’ starting fly-half at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but is recovering from having his appendix removed. He missed the last two Gallagher Premiership matches, including last weekend’s cup semi-final win over Benetton, and will miss the remaining league games at home to Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons on Saturday.
Despite this lack of rugby and a complicated recovery from surgery, George Skivington is not ruling Carreras out of the finals as the West Country side chase another Challenge Cup win in their fifth final. Skivington indicated that Gloucester .
With the Sharks’ 32-31 semi-final victory over Claremont at Twickenham Stoop boasting key members of the Springbok World Cup-winning side, Skivington knows the kind of big match experience Carreras needs.
Skivington addressed the situation at the club’s press briefing and said that Val Rapava-Raskin and Pumas lock Matias Alemanno were also last-ball options: “Santi could potentially go back to the final and he does when he’s unbeaten on the pitch. I knew he wouldn’t go to the semi-final in theory. .
“It’s one of those things where we go out week in week out and it might come down to Sunday night before the final to make some calls and hopefully Santi will be in that bracket. There are some players who are world class and Santi is right in that bracket and in an ideal world you have all the experienced players ready for the finals.
Some players may return to the team after the break and others may not.
Gloucester are short of options in the number 15 jersey, with Lloyd Evans also injured and undergoing surgery on his hand.
Skivington indicated that Gloucester had already checked out of the Premiership
Gloucester were beaten 38-17 by Exeter Chiefs in their last Premiership game and have won just four games in the league, keeping them above bottom club Newcastle. Criticizes the decision to win the Premiership Rugby Cup and the club’s attitude towards the remaining Premiership games targeting the Challenge Cup. Skivington indicated that Gloucester .
Skivington said: “I’m trying to be as honest as possible around the Premiership and our approach, especially with the last two games. You’ve got to be ready to play and some players There has to be an opportunity to look after because I’m not making any excuses at this time of year when I’m going to treat the Premiership a little bit differently and it’s important to make that clear.
What I’m saying is we took a different route a few months ago – to chase a bit of love and end up somewhere in the middle. A good run or a cup won’t do you two and I Decided to take it and people either don’t like it or I win. Skivington indicated that Gloucester .
“We have to talk about getting better in the Premiership next season and there is a golden opportunity for the youngsters. Some will improve and some won’t and although it’s not a perfect finish for the league, we’ve got some really good youngsters and I’ll get some in there. Skivington indicated that Gloucester .
“I also believe that what happened against Exeter was unacceptable and some of the lads were knocked out of the semi-final because they couldn’t deliver. The boys know that elections are on the line and everyone will love my attitude. Northampton are an in-form side in the Premiership.”