How good are this Gloucester team?

Gloucester bag their first major trophy since their John Player Cup win in 1978.

The cherry and whites overcame a spirited Bristol side who had done well to reach the final after finishing eighth in the Premiership.

Gloucester's win marks a successful debut season in charge for Nigel Melville, and the re-emergence of one of English rugby's sleeping giants.

All this in a season where Bath, the west's traditional top-dogs, avoided relegation by a whisker.

Has the balance of power shifted in the west-country?

This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appear below.

Gloucester have still got work to do to compete with Leicester, although they've got arguably the strongest pack in the division. Hopefully they'll sign one or two more quality backs and they'll be a real challenge for the title in the years to come.
Michael Powell, England

I would like to make a point to those who were disappointed with the attendance at the final. I went and can explain the extremely low turnout: ticket prices. Each adult ticket was �28, and although many may see this as reasonable the average rugby fan cannot possibly afford this, especially with the costs of drinking, eating and travelling.

If prices were lower then many more Gloucester, Bristol, and rugby fans would have made the effort. I loved every minute of the game and I congratulate Bristol on a good effort, but if rugby is going to stay a game for the true fan, then something needs to be done.
Ash, UK

As for the attendance on Saturday, I think the problem is that the finalists were only known last weekend - so that leaves only six days to sell the tickets! It would be better, if we're going to have the playoffs, to have them as a curtain raiser to the following season, rather than have them tagged on to an already long season!
Lee, Gloucester, England.

I can't see how anyone can say that the balance of power has shifted to the West Country. The most consistent teams this season have been Leicester (League and European champions), Sale (second in the league) and London Irish(Powergen cup winners). I think the attendance at the game on Saturday shows the lack of interest in what is a series of needless games at the end of an overlong season.
Rich, England

Add to that a shortage of good young players and falling player numbers so that all major signings are from overseas or from another sport (rugby league) and we see declining crowds and interest for the final.
Mjm, UK

As a season ticket holder in The Shed, it was particularly pleasing to win this trophy. The game was no classic but the excitement and tension made up for the lack of ambition both teams showed. It was great for Phil Vickery and the team to get reward for their efforts during a long and gruelling season.

Two other points worthy of mention were the joy and celebration all Gloucester's foreign players showed and the fact that the first (and for a while the only) Bristol player to go over to congratulate Gloucester players was Contepomi - I was really impressed by this sporting gesture.

We will need to raise our game even further for next season; if we do, we could win the Heineken or the Premiership.
Allen Prior, England

It was a pointless game and not very good either. The intensity was lacking and until teams take it seriously then it won't take off.

It was a stunning match by both sides. Another 10 seconds and Bristol would have won as Felipe Contepomi would have scored a try that would have won Bristol the match. I was thrilled with the match and very pleased with our boys, but we will be back next year so watch out Gloucester!
Mike, Bristol

Being a neutral at Twickenham on Saturday I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the game. It is fair to question the validity of the championship, but the fans were passionate and you could tell how much the game meant to both sets of players: for Gloucester this was their first silverware for ages and didn't they enjoy it?!

As for the future it is great to see the west country re-emerge as a force in British rugby. Let's just hope that Bath can recover to complete the triumvirate. Gloucester look to be putting together a team that can really mount a strong challenge next season.

Tom Beim was particularly impressive and has deserved his call-up to England colours. The most disappointing player was Henry Paul who seems to be floundering in union. People touted him as another Jason Robinson. He isn't - Henry, do yourself a favour and go back to League.
Dan, London, England

Glaster! Glaster! It was a long time coming, but it was worth it! The Shed was uprooted and moved south and for once it was true rugby fans that graced the stands at Twickers!

Young and old were there to see the magic and a few hundred or so from up the M5 from Worcester - perhaps they have at long last seen the light and know that successful clubs like Gloucester grow from within: layers and loyal supports alike and are not bought with money. Well done Gloucester, the best is yet to come. This was just the beginning!
Jethro, England

Fantastic! Let those Bath boys be quiet for a change! We are on the up!
Pippa Troll, UK

Didn't the attendence at the play-off finals yesterday tell the people who are running the clubs that the general rugby fan isn't interested in the play-off's?

Congrats to Gloucester! Its a shame the fans cannot lap up their success without taking snipes at other ambitious clubs (Newcastle)! They have fantstic potential as a professional outfit, but I still see Henry Paul as a liablity to any success in Europe.
Tom, England

Gloucester deserved their win, but Bristol played their part. Nobody should be in any doubt about how far Bristol have come this season and how far they can go in the future.

Both sets of supporters were passionate and committed, but the Bristolians were of course the loudest!
Paul, Bristol

Well done Gloucester and Bristol, an excitable and enjoyable final, well worth the journey. Nail biting to the final whistle where anything could have happened. As for Newcastle bleating about the Heineken Cup, I think the performance and score line on Saturday proved which side should fill that final slot. Come on the Briz.
Dean Harvey, UK

I've followed Glos for around 15 years now (ever since I got into rugby at school) and its refreshing to see some silverware. Hands up who else can remember the days when Bath were flattening everybody in sight... dark times for shedheads everywhere - it does look like the professional era has suited Glos down to the ground, due in no small part to the fanatical support at Kingsholm.

Having watched the swift rise of Newcastle et al it's pretty clear that money can buy you a team... but not a crowd.

If power has shifted towards the likes of Glos and Liecester thats the reason why

and good luck to us!!
Doug, UK

I adore Gloucester and went to see them win! It was a long season and what they deserved! They should all be proud of their acheivement! Next time simbad will help us in the final!
Lucy Bailey, England

Wee done Glos! The elver eaters are the team to fear next year, and with Simpson-Daniel fit, Delport on the wing and Paul always learning they will have not only the best front row and back row, but the best back three in Britain.
Andy H, UK