Gloucester gear up for 'cut-throat' finale

Nigel Melville tonight claimed Gloucester will relish the “cut-throat business” that awaits them in their quest for European and domestic honours this season.

Gloucester have a possible eight games left in the Heineken Cup and Zurich Premiership.

If they win the lot, starting with next Sunday’s tough Heineken Cup quarter-final clash against title rivals Wasps, they will be crowned European and English champions.

While the odds are stacked against them, rugby director Melville says his players will not shirk the challenge.

“We are in a cup football situation,” he said.

“Every game we play, we have to win – and we quite like that environment.

“This is a very cut-throat business. We have either a minimum four games left, or a maximum of eight, and it is all in our hands.”

Gloucester will go into battle with Wasps as underdogs, and Melville knows that victory over the reigning Premiership title holders would represent a huge achievement.

“The majority of the Wasps players have been with the club a long time,” added Melville, the London outfit’s former director of rugby.

“That stability has let them grow as a group. The entrance to Wasps is not a revolving door, and people are seeing the results of having a stable environment.

“Playing in Europe is always a step up. But each time, we are becoming more comfortable in this type of environment. Some key parts of our game are in great shape, and we are certainly a lot smarter side than we were 12 months ago.”

Gloucester’s request, meanwhile, for an English referee to take charge of the all-Premiership encounter has fallen on deaf ears.

Tournament organisers instead chose French official Joel Jutge, the 2001 Heineken Cup final referee.

“He is an element of the unknown in a game where we know so much about the opposition,” admitted Gloucester coach Dean Ryan.

Gloucester have received a significant double boost going into the game, with centre Henry Paul and fly-half Duncan McRae both agreeing new contracts.

Paul’s three-year deal, unlike his initial arrangement after he joined Gloucester from league giants Bradford Bulls in October 2001, does not include Rugby Football Union funding.

Thirty-year-old Paul’s length of contract has effectively shut the door on any return to rugby league. It commits his future to the union game until the end of season 2006/07.

“I like the club, the game of rugby union, the players and the whole environment at Gloucester,” he said.

“This new contract will mean I am seeing out my career at Gloucester Rugby Club, which is a big thing to say.

“There is a great environment at Kingsholm, because we all know each other so well. We all get on, and it makes for an enjoyable time. At the moment, I’m really enjoying my rugby.

“There is nothing better than winning a game of rugby in front of an 11,000 sell-out crowd week in week out. That is a big plus to a lot of players, and we all have respect for the Gloucester supporters.”

England international Paul is currently enjoying his best season with Gloucester, having produced a string of top-drawer displays. He heads the Heineken Cup points chart with 97 and will be a key man in the Wasps encounter.

“Henry’s signature is a massive move for Gloucester,” said Melville.

“His commitment for the next three years shows his feelings towards this club, and also the fact that he knows his future is here at Kingsholm.”

As for McRae’s two-year deal, Melville added: “Duncan is a quality number 10 - and since his arrival in October he has proved his talent. He’s settled in so well and is something very special.”

McRae said: “Being involved in a good side with quality players and an intelligent coaching team was key. Add this to the support that the club has, and as a player it’s so attractive.

“I am just ecstatic to get it all done. It’s a big boost, especially with what is set to be our biggest and toughest game of the season coming up on Sunday.”