Forget your flip-flops, Friday night was all about grabbing your brolly and donning a mac ahead of the Premiership Rugby 7s Series Finale at the home of the Harlequins, Twickenham Stoop.

Oh the irony when the #Summerof7s is on!

The impact of the rain on the performance of all teams was obvious. Slipping, sliding and constant handling errors forced play to become loose and frantic in what could only be described as an ultimate down pour.

But that didn’t stop 2013 Champions, Gloucester, from defending their 7s Series title in seemingly effortless and superior style, with a 12-5 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons in the Cup Final.

Steph Reynolds scored undoubtedly the try of the 7s, sprinting the length of the pitch and skilful scrum half Callum Braley, spoke highly of him after the game;

“The star man got the ball at the right time and did his thing and scored a crucial try for us.”

Callum also mentioned his delight in joining Gloucester this summer from Bristol Rugby Club;

“I’m absolutely loving it. It’s been tough but that’s what you expect from pre-season … A good way to start the season hopefully and we can kick on from there.”

Gloucester and the Harlequins now head to the World Club 7s at Twickenham on 16th and 17th August.

If we turn our attention to Gloucester though – on the back of this spectacular Premiership Rugby 7s Series win – surely it’s created a buzz to kick off their season?

Well yes … out with the old and in with the new! With the signing of 26 new players and an entirely new management team, they have begun cementing the building blocks necessary to succeed.

The experienced and crucial combination of David Humphreys as the new Director of Rugby and Laurie Fisher as the new Head Coach, will ensure the squad are performing well and are purposely prepared for what lies ahead.

No-one said it will be easy and it will take time.

With several friendlies leading up to the start of the new season, it will become evident how they aim to pave their way to success, perseverance being key!

And there is already an air of optimism in camp. Kingsholm is renowned for it’s dominant pack and being a difficult place to play, so the focus is on strengthening relationships, managing expectation and establishing those foundations.

For the fans, it’s about boosting morale and regaining that belief and confidence.

The Cherry and Whites have the potential to go far.

Go Gloucester! All good luck next season. 

By Rhiannon Chandler-Day

@RhiannonCDay

To see more from Rhiannon, please check out her rugby blog at: rhiannonsrugbyunionblog.blogspot.co.uk