Gloucester Rugby Coaching Squad Update

Gloucester Rugby is pleased to confirm two major additions to the Club’s coaching team ahead of the 2026/27 season. 

Former Cherry & White, Brett Deacon, will return to Kingsholm as Forwards Coach, joining from fellow Gallagher PREM side Leicester Tigers. 

A combative forward during his playing career, Deacon was forced to retire through injury in 2013 but has remained at Welford Road ever since. He initially joined Leicester’s Academy set-up before moving into the senior coaching team ahead of the 2016/17 season. 

During his time with the Tigers, Deacon has held responsibility across the line-out, defence and breakdown, and led the club’s PREM Rugby Cup programme between 2019 and 2023.  

Speaking on his return to Kingsholm, Brett 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”  

Alongside Deacon, Gloucester Rugby will also welcome Joel Tomkins as Defence Coach. 

Previously Head Coach at Super League side Catalans Dragons, Tomkins comes from a strong rugby pedigree, with brothers Sam and Logan also enjoying professional careers in Rugby League. Joel made more than 200 appearances for Wigan Warriors - winning two Super League Grand Finals, the Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge - as well as spells with Widnes, Hull Kingston Rovers and Catalans Dragons. He also brings Rugby Union experience having earned three England caps whilst featuring in the Gallagher PREM for Saracens between 2011 and 2014. 

After a year at the helm in Perpignan, Tomkins has opted to return to Rugby Union and take up the opportunity at Kingsholm. Ahead of joining Gloucester Rugby, Tomkins said: 

“I’m really excited to be joining Gloucester Rugby and returning to Rugby Union in a coaching role. 

“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.” 

Alongside the arrival of Brett and Joel, Dom Waldouck will take on the newly created role of Head of Player Development. Recognised as a key pillar of the Club’s long-term strategy, Waldouck will lead the progression of young players into the first-team environment, ensuring talent is developed, supported and ready to perform at the highest level, while shaping an individual development framework across the squad. He will also take charge of the Club’s PREM Rugby Cup campaign during international windows, underlining the importance of the competition in developing future first-team Cherry & Whites. 

Commenting on his new role, Waldouck added: 

“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.” 

Gloucester Rugby’s Technical Director, Chris Boyd, explained the rationale behind the new structure.  

“We’ve been very deliberate in how we’ve shaped this coaching group, and Brett and Joel are both outstanding fits for what we’re trying to build at Gloucester Rugby. 

“Brett brings a deep understanding of PREM Rugby, and he knows exactly what it means to represent this club. His return is a big plus for us. 

“With Joel, he offers us a different perspective, having worked at the highest level in Rugby League as well as playing international Rugby Union. His defensive knowledge, competitiveness and appetite to challenge players will be hugely valuable. 

“Dom's new position is critical. The significance of nurturing home-grown talent is considerable and should not be understated. Establishing a tailored support structure for young players within our system will be instrumental in maximising their potential as they progress into the senior squad. 

“Collectively, these appointments strengthen our coaching group significantly and underline our ambition heading into the 2026/27 season.” 

Chief Executive Officer Alex Brown added: 

“We’re delighted to have made these key additions to next season’s coaching structure, which gives everyone real clarity and focus as we move forward.” 

“The arrivals of both Brett and Joel are a real endorsement of the direction we’re heading in and of the coaching group that’s been assembled under Chris Boyd’s leadership.” 

Brett Deacon and Joel Tomkins will join Gloucester Rugby on 1 July 2026.  

2026/27 MANAGEMENT & COACHING STRUCTURE: 
 
Technical Director: Chris Boyd 
General Manager – Rugby: Rob Burgess 
 
Head Coach: George Skivington 
 
Forwards Coach: Brett Deacon 
Defence Coach: Joel Tomkins 
Attack Coach: James Lightfoot Brown

Head of Performance: Cillian Reardon

Head of Medical: Rhys Hughes
 
Head of Player Development: Dom Waldouck
Breakdown and Transition Coach: Jack Pattinson 
Forwards Transition Coach: T. Rhys Thomas 
Backs Transition Coach: Tim Taylor   

Head of Academy: Wayne Thompson 
Head Pathway Coach: Declan Danaher 
Development Phase Manager & Pathway Coach: Gareth Delve 
Foundation Phase Manager: Tom Page