Mike Tindall to stay with Gloucester – Rugby News Update
Mike Tindall, the 33-year-old Gloucester player and former England captain will sign a one-year contract with his club, but in the dual capacity of coach/player.
Tindall will work with the backs under new coach Nigel Davies, and will also focus on the defence.
"I do see Mike as fundamental to the way we can move forward over the next couple of years," Davies told the
Gloucester Citizen. "He has played here for a long time and understands the culture, he understands the playing group, and also he's got a very good rugby mind."
Tindall has been playing his domestic rugby with Gloucester since 2005, and with his current contract ending at the end of last season, there was a time when the Centre was considering moving across the Channel. He had options to play elsewhere but he was
always keen to stick with Gloucester.
It will not be easy for Tindall, as he will have to compete with Tim Molenaar, Jonny May, Henry Trinder and new signing Billy Twelvetrees to play in the centre.
It is going to be a different role for the player, as his sole focus will not be on playing, as he will have to devote time to coaching as well. Davies also pointed out that it will require a change of mindset, and Tindall will have to work very hard on
the coaching aspect.
Davies said, "Over the next couple of years I'm sure we'll see Mike develop into an excellent coach. The whole of the backline is young, inexperienced but very exciting. I'm looking forward to working with them and having seen a bit of them already, they
do possess a lot of talent."
Tindall burst onto the scene with England in 2000 when he made his debut against Ireland, and went onto establish himself as an important player for the country. He won the 2003 Rugby World Cup with his country, and in 2007 they lost in the final. His last
World Cup in 2011 ended in disaster, as he was caught late night with a blonde, and was dropped from the team.
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