BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Ellis extends Gloucester stint

Gloucester's defence coach Dave Ellis has signed a new three-year deal with the Cherry and Whites.

Ellis will extend his stay at Kingsholm while also continuing in a similar role with the French national team.

The former rugby league coach has spent much of the summer in Australia picking up tips on defensive patterns from the 13-a-side code and Aussie rules football.

His continued presence at the Zurich Championship winners consolidates a coaching structure strengthened with the recent addition of forwards coach Dean Ryan.

Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Melville
Melville has assembled a strong coaching staff

Director of rugby Nigel Melville also has former Brisbane Broncos fitness coach Rudi Meir and Springbok therapist Wayne Diesel on his staff.

Ellis believes the progress of last season, when Gloucester won their first trophy in 20 years and finished third in the league, has laid a solid platform for further success.

"The important thing is that we have not had massive changes in the playing staff so we can build on what we did last year," he told the club's official website.

"We still have a lot to do but at least we don't have to start from zero with a lot of new players.

"It was also very important to me that the players wanted me to stay, and they made their feelings known.

"At the end of the day it is vital that the people you are working with see the value in what you do and that they can see that you will continue to make progress."


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