Ryan ready to enter ‘confrontational environment’

GLOUCESTER boss Dean Ryan accepts his team will head into “a confrontational environment” when they tackle Heineken Cup hosts Bourgoin tonight.

The Guinness Premiership leaders, courtesy of successive victories over Ulster and the Ospreys, are currently four points clear in Pool Two. And victory at Stade Pierre Rajon – a ground where Gloucester beat Bourgoin 37-18 during the 2003/2004 Heineken Cup – would strengthen their quarter-final claims.

Ryan said: “We are heading for a confrontational environment. It is an environment in which Bourgoin have a good record, and we must be ready to handle that.”