Tindall in return to Gloucester

Published on 26/06/2012 01:33

England centre Mike Tindall has rejoined Gloucester after agreeing a one-year deal, the club have confirmed.

Tindall resumes his career at Kingsholm in the new role of player-coach and will help oversee development of the backline and defence. The 33-year-old had been searching for a club after failing to secure a new contract under former head coach Bryan Redpath, whose own departure has enabled his return.

Gloucester’s new director of rugby Nigel Davies has a track record of encouraging internal progression from the playing squad into coaching roles – Simon Easterby and Mark Jones are examples at the Scarlets – and he is continuing that trend at Kingsholm.

“Mike has a lot of valuable experience and great loyalty to Gloucester Rugby and its supporters and understands what it means to be a part of this club,” said Davies, who has only been at Gloucester for two weeks.

And Davies is in no doubt that Tindall, who has been at Gloucester for the last seven years, will have a key role to play as he adds a new chapter to an already stellar career.

“He will be operating as player and backs coach in the coming year. I think he has a very strong tradition and heritage with the club and a very good rugby brain,” Davies added of the 2003 World Cup winner.