GLOUCESTER’S worst fears have been realised with the withdrawal yesterday of England World Cup-winning tight head prop Phil Vickery from their side to meet Munster in the Heineken European Cup at Kingsholm tomorrow.

JOHN HAYES trained with Munster at Thomond Park yesterday and is a certain starter against Gloucester in the Heineken European Cup at Kingsholm on Saturday.

IF GLOUCESTER truly believe the harshest of all European lessons have sunk through the thickest of Kingsholm craniums, round three of an already enthralling confrontation against Munster will test them like no other next weekend.

PAUL GRAYSON last night assessed Northampton’s make-or-break Heineken Cup clash against Ulster in Belfast and admitted: “It is going to be incredibly difficult.”

NIGEL MELVILLE, the former England scrumhalf who had a glittering career cruelly cut short by serious injury, is, these days, directing rugby affairs at Gloucester.

Gloucester boss Nigel Melville today put a brave face on prop Patrice Collazo’s shock departure to Toulouse after his unbeaten league leaders went four points clear of the Zurich Premiership pack.