Shaun Knight - Gloucester's Hotshot Prop
Gloucester's form in the Aviva Premiership has been up and down this season. But when you look at the squad they possess, you wonder how they are only sit 7th in the table. Players like Olly Morgan, Charlie Sharples, James Simpson Daniel, Luke Narraway and Rory Lawson are but some of the big names that Gloucester have in their team. Another of these names is tighthead prop Shaun Knight who at the age of 21 is already turning heads with his impressive work ethic.
Shaun follows in the footsteps of his father who has also played for the Cherry and Whites during his playing career with both of them, products of Matson Rugby Club based in Gloucestershire. The tighthead prop then went up the leagues to ply his trade for second division Moseley who currently lie 9th in the table. At the beginning of the 2008/2009 season, Moseley agreed to a dual-registration agreement with Gloucester where Knight transferred to the Kingsholm side. The 21 year old has been part of England's 2009 and 2010 Junior World Cup squads and was described as the cornerstone of their scrum during 2010 Nations. Following his exploits at the 2010 Junior World Cup in Argentina, he was loaned out to New Zealand as he continued his rugby education with a spell with Counties Manakau. Shaun was named in the Wider Training Group for the Counties Manakau Steelers squad for the 2010 ITM Cup with the tournament featuring 14 teams and running from the end of July to the start of November.
His return did not see instant success in paving a way into Gloucester's first 15 but he wasn't going to get into the team overnight, consistent hardwork and patience were going to be key for the former Matson player. 2011 comes around and the World Cup is only weeks away, a big opportunity for Knight to earn his playing time whilst Gloucester's internationals were away on duty. But it was not the Cherry and Whites that came calling, it was the Pro12 team Edinburgh that were to provide Knight with game time as front row cover whilst the bulk of Edinburgh's team were on the other side of the world at the World Cup. Michael Bradley explained how Knight would provide invaluable cover and that he was a "very talented young athlete with a bright future in the front row. Strong words that will stay with Shaun for years to come no doubt.
The tighthead prop has not started for Gloucester as of yet, however it is only a matter of time before his first start is upon him. So far this season, he has had three substitute appearances totalling 53 minutes in all. The Cherry and Whites stated that Knight is a "highly regarded prospect and a new two year contract was inevitable as he secures his future at the West Midlands club. With praise coming left, right and centre from the Gloucester coaches, it will not be long before Shaun will be pulling on the number three jersey for Gloucester.
