Gloucester add Brett Deacon And Joel Tomkins to coaching panel

Gloucester have confirmed two major additions to their coaching staff ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Brett Deacon returning to Kingsholm as forwards coach and Joel Tomkins joining as defence coach.

The club has also announced a new internal role for Dom Waldouck as head of player development as part of a wider coaching restructure.

Brett Deacon Returns To Gloucester Rugby

Former Gloucester forward Deacon will rejoin the club from Leicester Tigers, where he has built extensive coaching experience since retiring from playing in 2013 due to injury.

After starting in Leicester’s academy setup, Deacon moved into the senior coaching team ahead of the 2016/17 season and held responsibilities across the line-out, defence and breakdown.

Deacon said he was looking forward to returning to Kingsholm and working with a forward pack he believes has strong potential.

“I’m excited to be coming back to Gloucester Rugby in the summer. I’ve learnt a huge amount during my time at Leicester, working with outstanding players and coaches, and I feel like I’m ready to take on the next challenge in my career.

“There’s a real ambition at Kingsholm and I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping the Club move forward.

“I have very fond memories of my playing days at Gloucester. I’m excited to now work with a forward pack full of potential, alongside a coaching group that is building a strong new identity”

Joel Tomkins Appointed Gloucester Defence Coach

Gloucester have also appointed Tomkins as defence coach ahead of next season.

Tomkins arrives after serving as head coach of Catalans Dragons and brings experience from both rugby league and rugby union.

During his playing career, he made more than 200 appearances for Wigan Warriors and also earned three England caps in rugby union while playing for Saracens.

Gloucester Rugby Coaching Structure For 2026/27

Alongside the two external appointments, Waldouck will move into the newly created role of head of player development.

He will oversee the progression of young players into the first-team environment and lead Gloucester’s PREM Rugby Cup campaign during international windows.