George Skivington: Gloucester can learn from Exeter revival

Gloucester’s 13-try thrashing of Exeter in May last year was the Chiefs’ biggest loss ever in the Prem and led to coaching changes which included Baxter returning to a direct coaching role.

The Cherry and Whites have similarly restructured their leadership team over the past few months, bringing in former Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd above Skivington.

Further coaching changes have also been confirmed for 2026-27 in recent days, with Brett Deacon and Joel Tompkins joining the staff, Trevor Woodman leaving and Dom Waldouck moving into a newly created academy role.

Skivington said they have been trying to do similar soul-searching at Gloucester as Exeter did over the summer.

“You’ve got to know what you stand for and we’ve been very honest in the building. We’ve probably tried to continue on from last year and for whatever reason we haven’t delivered that and we’re all having very good, strong conversations about what we are, who we are and what we should be going after,” Skivington said.

“We’re doing our best to get after some of that now but certainly Exeter’s season last year is a good example of having a good look at yourselves and finding what it is you actually want to be and lean into.

“They’ve done a very good job this season of going after that.”