Gloucester Rugby have responded to London Irish's threat of legal action following the appointment of George Skivington as head coach.
London Irish released a statement condemning Gloucester's appointment of Skivington, despite the fact that the former London Irish forwards coach had a year left to run on his contract.
London Irish chief executive Brian Facer said that the club "will reserve the right to consider all its options following Gloucester’s announcement regarding the appointment of George Skivington as their new Head Coach.
"The news from Kingsholm comes despite Skivington being under contract with London Irish until summer 2021 and there having been no approach – whether informal or formal – from Gloucester’s management to London Irish’s management requesting permission to talk to the former England Saxon."
This statement prompted Gloucester to respond in earnest to London Irish's claims.
The club from Kingsholm outlined the approach they made to Skivington regarding the head coaching position. The Cherry and Whites state that they went through the "appropriate channels" with regarding the appointment.
“Gloucester Rugby understood that [George Skivington] was not restricted contractually from joining the club. Gloucester Rugby, nevertheless, directly and straightforwardly sought clarification of London Irish’s position. That clarification has not been forthcoming.
“Gloucester Rugby is therefore surprised and disappointed by both the contents of statement from London Irish, and the forum in which it was released, not least in view of the proactive efforts made by Gloucester Rugby during the course of this week.
“Gloucester Rugby will continue to seek to engage with London Irish, through the appropriate channels. Gloucester Rugby urges London Irish to do the same."
In a 13 year playing career, Skivington played for the likes of London Wasps, Leicester Tigers and London Irish. Since his retirement in 2016, Skivington had been the forwards coach at London Irish.
Skivington remained as forwards coach following the appointments of former Ireland coaches Declan Kidney and Les Kiss as director of rugby and head coach respectively.
