Cherry Jam - A Gloucester Rugby Supporter Podcast

Gloucester ended a turbulent season on a high note with a dominant and deserved win over bottom side Newcastle. We chat through the game, the encouraging signs for next season and where we might see some continuity in tactics and style.

Meanwhile, Glos-Hartpury suffered a shock defeat at home to Bristol in their final league game of the season. Resting plenty of their key players, the girls missed numerous opportunities while gifting Bears at least 12 points in a scrappy display.

Are there reasons to be concerned as we preview this weekends semi-final at Queensholm?

Gloucester lost out in a hard fought, exciting and end to end match away to Northampton. We discuss the game, the performance and why the standards set in the match should be a source of encouragement (provided we can follow it up!)

Two bonus points mean that the Cherry and Whites are in control of their own destiny on the final weekend in their search for Champions Cup Rugby.

Meanwhile Gloucester Hartpury suffered their first league defeat of the season away to Ealing (who qualified for the playoffs) - we chat why this might not...

Gloucester fell to a disappointing but not unexpected defeat away to Saracens. We chat through the potential positives and whether this is anything more than a good side beating an average one.

Elsewhere, the Red Roses secured another Six Nations Grand Slam with their best performance of the Championship beating France in Bordeaux.

South African sides may be on their way out of European competitions, we ask if this a good thing (YES!)

Finally, Jim explains the importance of a good tiller in Dragon Boat racing.

Ed Price

Jim...

For the first time this season, Gloucester secured back to back wins in the PREM after a hard fought victory over Sale Sharks at Kingsholm. We chat through the game, the reffing and whether we may have been too harsh (probably, but it was definitely a knock on before the George Ford drop-goal). Are there possibly some embryonic signs of improvement for next season?

Meanwhile, Glos-Hartpury continue their preparation for next season with multiple re-signings (and a departure) announced. We look ahead to the final weekend of the W6N and the last few games of the...

A very busy pod as we finally get around to reviewing Gloucester's excellent win over Exeter Chiefs (Sorry, Ed decided to watch football last week). We run through what made the difference from previous matches as well as the controversy from Slade's try and also this weekend's Champions Cup Semi Final where the French TV Director's once again took centre stage.

Meanwhile Bristol Bears CEO decided that Rugby was not the main reason he goes to work every day and Glos Hartpury get even more injuries to add the growing list.

Finally successful fund raises...

After another couple of weeks without a game, Gloucester returned to PREM action away to Bristol - but unfortunately it was much of the same as they ended up on the wrong side of another record defeat. We chat through the game, the disappointment with the overall manner of the performance as well as the lack of positives.

We discuss why the answer given by George Skivington on the question of why the team consistently has poor starts to games, is indicative of the wider issues within the coaching set-up and playing group.

Meanwhile we...

Although Gloucester have had no rugby over the past few weeks but there is still plenty to chat about. As the Red Roses started their Six Nations campaign with a scratchy win, there were a number of serious injury concerns for three of the Glos-Hartpury contingent.

Meanwhile the Quarter Final round of the European club competitions saw some incredible games including an amazing all English clash won by Bath (we know!).

Finally, we look ahead to Gloucester's away game at Bristol before reminiscing about a famous win 30 years ago.

Ed Price

...

After the big build up, Gloucester and several thousand Cherry and White supporters travelled to Villa Park for the Slater Cup match between Glaws and Leicester. Unfortunately, the game was pretty much over after 15 minutes and the day was hampered by travel chaos, an underwhelming atmosphere and many left Birmingham with a sense of apathy.

We discuss our experiences of the day, whether we can find any positives and what advice we would give to the club for next season.

Meanwhile, as ever, in more positive news the Glos-Hartpury women did their best to finish...

Gloucester secured only their second league win of the season with a bonus point victory over Quins at The Stoop; we discuss the game, the key players and the specific areas where improvements led to the victory. We also chat through the parts that will need to strep-up even further to compete with Leicester this weekend at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, the Glos-Hartpury ladies secured a last minute win over an impressive Loughborough side, maintaining their 100% record. We talk through the great achievements already attained this season and hope that the fans can repay them with a sell...

Gloucester's impressive win over Sale the previous week unfortunately meant nothing in the end, as they were once again beaten by Bath down at The Rec. We run through the positives (as ever) and in particular pick out the players who have impressed in an otherwise poor season.

Meanwhile, English Rugby is being revamped again, with the long overdue permanent removal of promotion and relegation to the Top flight.

Will it have the intended consequences or will it be another false dawn?

Finally as England head to Rome for this weekends Six Nations...

A lot of rugby to get through this week. Some great, some good, some very indifferent!

England travelled to Murrayfield with expectation but were thumped by a rampant Scotland. We chat through what went wrong and why Scotland seem to be a bogey team. Meanwhile as Ireland narrowly beat Italy courtesy of a TMO decision, Wales were comprehensively beaten by a French side brimming with confidence. Ed talks about his Cardiff experience and the worrying signs for the WRU.

On the domestic front, Ellie Kildunne could do nothing to stop Gloucester Hartpury win another game...

The first round of the Six Nations saw wins for Italy (in a very wet Rome); France with a thumping win over Ireland and England, who cruised to a very simple victory over Wales.

Meanwhile, in game ads are now a thing!? We discuss the matches, the performances and whether the in-game ads really are going to keep Rugby from going behind a paywall.

Gloucester-Hartpury continue their 100% record in the PWR after two bonus point wins over Loughborough and Sale. Gloucester shift their focus to the Prem Cup.

Ed Price

Jim...

Gloucester lost out to an agonising late defeat to Bath, despite putting up their best performance of the season.

We talk through the game and discuss why this needs to be the standard to hit moving forwards.

We also read out your comments and questions to a mythical Fans Forum.

Ed Price

Jim Harley

Russ Brookes

Lawrence Landray

We are proud to be sponsored by PGT LLP

Another week where everything that could go wrong, did. As Gloucester lost at home to a talented Toulon side, Castres recorded a rare away victory at Thomond Park to condemn the Cherry and Whites and ignominious exit from all European competition.

Meanwhile we got news of arrivals and departures for next season and how the pack is clearly the focus for recruitment.

Finally despite all the trials and tribulations at Kingsholm, spare a thought for supporters of Ospreys as their demise looks almost certain following news of the Y11...

Despite another defeat for the Cherry and Whites, we saw a spirited display and a well earned losing bonus point as Gloucester lost away to Edinburgh in the Champions Cup.

Meanwhile, positive transfer news and rumours as South African World Cup winner Jean Kleyn has been announced as our latest signing.

We discuss the Edinburgh match, the performance, the positives and look forward to this weeks crunch fixture against Toulon.

Ed Price

Jim Harley

Cherry Jam is proud to be sponsored by PGT LLP

Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, Gloucester began 2026 with a defeat away to Newcastle (following a tepid display at home to Saracens over Christmas). The full gang get together to discuss a new low for the club in the Professional era.

***WARNING*** - It does get a bit sweary in places (understandably so). If you are travelling with small children or those who are easily offended, it might be worth exercising discretion.

Ed Price

James Eastwood (Snowy)

Lawrence Landray (Loz)

Jim Harley

Russ Brookes<...

We have got used to poor displays and bad results over the past few years, but this one sticks out as one of the most disappointing. A dreadful performance away to Leicester in the Slater Cup saw Gloucester comprehensively beaten. The same old excuses trotted out once again and compounded by more injuries.

The response online and among supporters has become almost resigned apathy, we do our best to run through the game and how we feel about the whole situation.

Meanwhile the Glos-Hartpury girls continue to be a shining beacon of hope as they...

Overall a really pleasing weekend for both Gloucester and Glos-Hartpury as they secured wins against difficult opposition. But the Bonus point victories were not as straightforward as they should have been. The Women struggled to put away an entertaining Ealing side, while the Men managed to secure 5 points despite having a shambolic lineout (Helped to a significant degree by Castres dreadful discipline).

We chat through both games and do see the overwhelming positives especially considering the mis-firing set piece but do have serious concerns ahead of this weekends match in Cork against Munster.

Jim and...

Finally, Gloucester secured their first league win of the season as they beat an underwhelming Quins side with a Bonus point try. We chat through the performances that stood out including excellent contributions from Lewis Ludlow, Ollie Thorley and Ben Redshaw.

We also discuss Glos-Hartpury's perfect start to the season, this time after a thumping 50 point hammering of local rivals Bristol Bears.

Meanwhile, the much vaunted and talked about R360 tournament has been delayed until at least 2028 - is there any real chance of it getting off the ground (we all hope not!). There were...

A packed week and it took two attempts to record. Jim and Ed discuss the win for Gloucester over Bath in the PREM Cup as well as Gloucester-Hartpury maintaining their 100% winning start in the PWR. Rumours galore at Gloucester as news leaked around potential DoR interviews, John Mitchell 'helping' the coaches in an unpaid non consultant role.

Meanwhile Russ joins to chat through the weekends International rugby action including a very impressive win for England over the All Blacks.

Ed Price

Jim Harley

Russ Brookes

(Lawrence Landray contributed to...

A much more docile pod this week as we run through a well deserved and creditable win for the Gloucester young guns away at Sale in the Prem Cup, England beating Australia in an impressive and controlled performance and Glos-Hartpury securing a comfortable win over Exeter Chiefs.

Meanwhile more Head contact/Red card controversy as Ireland were on the wrong end of a decision in Chicago.

Finally Ed went to watch t'other code as he saw a bit of a snooze fest in the second Rugby League ashes test - but wondered if there are...

Apologies upfront for this pod. Very cathartic, but also self indulgent and ranty. After five consecutive league defeats to start the PREM season (the worst start to a season in the Clubs history), rather than chat through the positives and the two defeats to Bristol and Exeter, we have decided to lay out our frustrations with the current coaching set-up and call for their removal. After 5 years at the helm, George Skivington has presided over the worst Win/Loss ratio of any DoR/Head Coach in the Professional Era; our worst league position (three times); failed to reach the...

An expected defeat away to Bath at the (W)Rec(K) but the disappointment was in the manner of the loss - another poor start gave the Cherry and Whites no chance to pick up a surprise win and despite a spirited comeback and some lovely tries the continuing issues in the Lineout ultimately left Gloucester without a Try Bonus point.

We chat through the game, the issues and areas that seem to be a recurring theme and point of concern, plus look ahead to the Bristol game on Friday.

Meanwhile, Dian Bleuler has joined...

Gloucester's first half horror show ended up costing them despite a heroic comeback in the second half against Northampton. Trailing at one point 31-0, the Cherry and Whites ended up leading the former Champions by a point going into the final 10 minutes only to lose from a late penalty kick.

We discuss the game, the overall disappointment and how the second half performance can't cover up the deep concern around injuries, defence and the breakdown woes.

The lads also touch on the incredibly sad and tragic news that England World Cup winner and former Captain...

Nearly 82,000 people packed Twickenham on Saturday to watch the Red Roses win the Rugby World Cup for the third time. Ed and Jim were part of it and Ed gives his thoughts on the day and experience overall. We then all chat through the game and the importance that this win could have for not only Women's Rugby but for Rugby in general.

Meanwhile, Snowy decided to take one for the team and went to watch Sale v Gloucester for the opening match of the PREM season. We discuss the game, where things went wring, the positives...

A packed episode this week as we discuss the Red Roses reaching the Rugby World Cup Final after a patchy win over France at Ashton Gate. We also chat through the superb win for Canada over the Black Ferns and ask whether England might be in for a shock in the Final.

Meanwhile, despite a defeat in the Prem Cup to Bristol and as LRZ returned to Kingsholm with a try and a Yellow card, we find the positives from a battling and encouraging performance by a very young and inexperienced Cherry and White side.

...

Gloucester opened their PREM Cup campaign with a bonus point win over a disappointingly poor Exeter Chiefs side at Kingsholm. We discuss the game and the encouraging signs shown by the defence and the new signings. We also chat through the fact that despite leading the team last weekend, Lewis Ludlow is no longer club captain - with that honour now resting with Tomos Williams.

Elsewhere, England's Red Roses secured a Semi Final place in the Rugby World Cup, beating Scotland in a rain soaked affair at Ashton Gate. We go through that match...

We are back for Series 7 of Cherry Jam and we have a lot to get through already!

From all the goings on at Kingsholm including two new kits, a new ticketing app, a new venue for the Slater Cup plus our first chance to see some of newest signings out on the artificial turf. We discuss the Pre-season friendly win over Munster and whether there is anything meaningful we can glean from it.

We also chat about Glos-Hartpury's PWR Cup defeats and the excellent 'Threepeat' documentary, before moving on to the Women's World Cup as...

Ahead of next season, we have recorded a special pod to cover off all the chaos, nonsense and news from the past few months.

We chat through the decision to move a Gloucester home game to Villa Park, European trips to Cork and Edinburgh; Series wins for England and the Lions (with all the associated drama and controversy) plus the Red Roses squad announcement.

We will be back for the new season in a few weeks. Until then enjoy the rest of your summer!

Ed Price

Jim Harley

Despite all the curses, hexes and prayers Bath completed the treble and won their first Premiership title in nearly 30 years, beating Leicester in a closely fought but poor game of rugby.

We discuss the final briefly, before turning on to more important matters such as Loz's Season review, Gloucester announcing two surprise signings; Gloucester Hartpury unveiling re-signings of their own plus details of the Season ticket prices and all PWR home games at Kingsholm.

There will be a few more special bonus podcasts covering the Lions series against Australia to come, but we would like...

As Bath and Leicester win their respective playoff Semi-Finals, we look back at both games and preview this weekends final (PLEASE LEICESTER, DO IT FOR US!). We also discuss Afo Fasogbon signing on for a few more years (at least) while Tomos Williams becomes the fourth Cherry and White to win Premiership Player of the Season.

Finally both Russ and Jim give their end of season reviews and we have a brief discussion about the Top 14 and ProD2 Promotion and Relegation.

Ed Price

Jim Harley

Russ Brookes

Cherry Jam...

Despite a bonus point win over Northampton on the final day, Gloucester missed out on the playoffs by 2 points - finishing 5th overall. We discuss the game and Snowy provides his Season Review (we all do the same over the coming weeks).

We also discuss the Combination Cup finals day; the results and the games but also the unfortunate incident involving Longlevens and Matson 'supporters'. Finally we chat about the recently announced plans for an alternative R360 competition headed up by Mike Tindall and former Bath DOR Stuart Hooper.

Ed Price

James Eastwood...

A bumper podcast with lots to get through! Firstly Gloucester kept their Playoff hopes alive with a vital bonus point win away at Falcons. Other results (sort of) went our way, meaning that although not entirely in the Cherry & Whites' hands, there is a clear path to a top four finish.

Meanwhile we discuss the latest announcements of leavers and new signings at Gloucester - including the disappointing confirmation that Chris Harris, Ruan Ackermann and Freddie Clarke are all off to pastures new (yet to be confirmed).

Elsewhere as England announce their first 33 man camp...

Another game at Twickenham ends in defeat for Gloucester, this time meaning that the Cherry & Whites playoff hopes hang by a thread as Quins outmuscled and outplayed us. We chat through what went wrong, the frustrations of our continued inconsistency - particularly in the big games - and what we can expect in the final two games of the regular season.

Meanwhile, we did get the Lions squad announcement and Tomos Williams is deservedly in! We share our thoughts and decide who was lucky, or hard done by in the selections.

Finally a brief chat...

We learnt last Thursday of the passing of Gloucester Rugby great Mickey Booth. Our thoughts are with all of his family and friends. We were joined by Ian Taylor whose father played for Gloucester alongside Mickey in the 1960's to share his memories.

Meanwhile Ed and Russ attended the 4ED Charity event at Kingsholm reminiscing about the 2003 Cup Final victory over Northampton - the last time we won at Twickenham.

Northampton themselves pulled off an incredible win away in Dublin to secure a Champions Cup Final place against Bordeaux, who beat reigning holders Toulouse. We...

A packed week this week, as we discuss a record breaking home win over Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm. Gloucester winning with their biggest ever points total in a League game, scoring wonderful tries and seeing superb performances across the pitch.

Meanwhile Chiefs themselves are in turmoil with coaches placed on suspension and owners ranting in the dressing room.

Also this week Gloucester announced a new signing in Glasgow backrower Jack Mann, Dan Murphy becomes Sean Lynn's replacement at Glos-Hartpury and Macron take over as the clubs kits supplier.

Ed Price

Jim...

Apologies for the problems last week and the missed pod. Despite our best efforts, the file simply wouldn't upload - which is a shame because we can guarantee it was our funniest, most informative and almost certainly greatest pod ever (if you believe that you will believe anything).

This week, Ed chat with Gloucester supporter Ross Hancock - who just happens to be the Head of Marketing and Commercial at Cornish Pirates. They chat through the last couple of weeks and the two disappointing results and second half performances, before discussing the recently announced developments in the...

A sell-out crowd saw one of the most complete performances from a Gloucester side in recent memory. Unlike some of the more impressive results that we have seen in the George Skivington era (64-0 versus Bath or the hammerings given to Sarries or Newcastle) this was against the 2nd place team in the league who had just come off the back of an 8 try demolition of Chiefs. We dissect the tries, the performances, the strategy and simply how much fun it was to watch!

Unfortunately the good news didn't carry over to the balance sheets as Gloucester...

Back to Premiership action last week for Gloucester and despite a combative performance in which the Cherry and Whites secured a try bonus point in the first half, Glaws were unable to stamp their authority on the second forty as Bath ran out comfortable and deserved winners in the West Country derby.

The lads chat through the game, the performances and the key points of difference plus where we see the positives for the remainder of the season.

We also discuss the rumours around the new kit supplier, the upcoming trial for Away supporter areas...

A great weekend of Rugby saw England record their biggest ever win over Wales in Cardiff, while Gloucester-Hartpury made their own history completing the Three-peat of PWR titles as they beat Saracens in their own backyard.

We discuss both games, the achievements of Glos-Hartpury and where this leaves England and English players ahead of the Lions tour.

Finally we chat about the lack of Promotion and Relegation (again); a league wide loan to keep Newcastle Falcons afloat and Bill Sweeney threatening to take his rugby ball and move to Milton Keynes, because he missed out...