Gloucester add Brett Deacon to staff alongside dual-code England star

Brett Deacon will mirror the move he made during his playing career by joining Gloucester from Leicester Tigers as forwards coach ahead of next season.

After almost a decade with the Tigers’ senior coaching team, Deacon will move to Kingsholm at the end of the season, as he did as a player in 2010 before returning to Welford Road in 2012 to finish his playing career.

In part of a new-look coaching team for the Cherry and Whites under technical director Chris Boyd, Deacon will arrive alongside former England centre Joel Tomkins.

The 39-year-old, who spent three years with Saracens before returning to rugby league in 2014, will join the club as the new defence coach, with current defence coach Dom Waldouck becoming head of player development.

Dual-code England international Tomkins left Super League outfit Catalan Dragons last week, having served as head coach for the past year.

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“I’m really excited to be joining Gloucester Rugby and returning to Rugby Union in a coaching role,” the three-cap England centre said.

“After speaking with George and Rob, it’s clear the club has strong ambitions for the future, and I’m looking forward to playing my part alongside an ambitious coaching team and a talented, exciting playing squad.

“Gloucester is a big club with a passionate supporter base, and I’m relishing the challenge of developing a defensive programme that complements the team’s strengths.”

Deacon said: “I’m excited to be coming back to Gloucester Rugby in the summer. I’ve learnt a huge amount during my time at Leicester, working with outstanding players and coaches, and I feel like I’m ready to take on the next challenge in my career.

“There’s a real ambition at Kingsholm and I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping the club move forward.

“I have very fond memories of my playing days at Gloucester. I’m excited to now work with a forward pack full of potential, alongside a coaching group that is building a strong new identity.”

Ahead of taking on his new role, Waldouck said: “Gloucester has a clear vision for the club moving forward. Player development has always been central to my coaching, and I’m looking forward to supporting a talented group while contributing to the club’s wider ambitions.”