Ex-Tigers prop Ryan Bower lands specialist role with Gloucester

Gloucester have confirmed the appointment of Ryan Bower as their new scrum coach ahead of the 2026/27 season, a move first reported by RugbyPass.

The 35-year-old will join George Skivington’s coaching group while continuing his role as scrum and breakdown coach with Hartpury RFC. Bower will step away from his lecturing and coaching commitments at Hartpury College but will remain involved with the Gloucester Rugby Academy.

A former loosehead prop, Bower played for Leicester Tigers, Nottingham and Worcester Warriors before finishing his playing career in the United States with the Dallas Jackals.

After retiring, he moved into coaching, spending time as West Midlands Academy forwards and defence coach before joining Hartpury, where he has built a reputation as a scrum specialist.

Gloucester head coach George Skivington said: “I’m pleased to welcome Ryan to the coaching group. He is highly regarded in the Champ and has developed Hartpury’s scrum into one of the competition’s standout units.

“It’s hugely advantageous for us to have a specialist coach working across all levels of our pathway. Ryan will have regular contact time with all our best front row talent from the academy right through to senior, so we can ensure cohesion and consistency across the programme.

“Stepping into the PREM environment presents an exciting challenge for Ryan, and we’re delighted to add his wealth of knowledge and experience to the group.”

Bower said: “I’m delighted to be joining an exciting coaching group at Gloucester Rugby.

“The scrum has long been a cornerstone of Gloucester Rugby’s identity, so to be entrusted with playing a key role in that area is a real honour.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside a talented group of players and coaches and can’t wait to get started.”

Hartpury’s head of performance rugby, Martin Haag, said Bower’s move reflected the pathway between the Championship club and Gloucester.

“We are sorry to see Ryan leave the programme, but a key part of what we do is developing people as well as players. We are delighted he has earned this fantastic opportunity and are equally pleased that he will continue working with Hartpury RFC.

“We look forward to him bringing new skills and ideas back into our environment.”