Gloucester decide against Villa Park return
· Yahoo Sports
Gloucester have ditched plans to again stage next season's Prem match against Leicester Tigers at Villa Park.
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The club's home Slater Cup fixture was taken on the road to the home of Premier League side Aston Villa for the first time last season and drew an attendance of 24,298 as the Tigers won 36-17.
However Gloucester have decided to return to Kingsholm - which has a capacity of 16,000 - for next season's game on the weekend of 27 March, 2027.
The club said the decision had been influenced by significant stadium developments planned at Villa Park over the coming months.
"The experience at Villa Park provided valuable learning and reinforced the opportunities that Big Game fixtures can create in terms of growing our reach, attracting new audiences, and strengthening Gloucester Rugby's position for the future," said chief executive Alex Brown.
"As we look ahead, our focus is on delivering the best possible matchday experience for our supporters at Kingsholm, while continuing to explore opportunities that support the long-term growth of the club, which may well include future Big Games.
"Returning the Slater Cup to Kingsholm next season reflects our immediate focus, while giving us time to consider future opportunities in the wider context of the game and the club's priorities.
"We are grateful to Aston Villa for their support and partnership, and to our supporters for their continued passion and engagement. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Kingsholm for the Slater Cup in March 2027."
McCabe and King join Gloucester
Meanwhile, Gloucester have also confirmed the signings of two New Zealand-based youngsters.
Fly-half Callum McCabe, 19, and 20-year-old scrum-half Halen King have agreed deals until the end of November, with options to make their stays at Kingsholm permanent.
Both players, who are English-qualified, have come through the pathway with Super Rugby side Chiefs, based in Hamilton, and were part of a recent New Zealand under-20s training camp.