Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn says his side are still aiming for a top-eight Prem finish to secure European competition next season, despite being “disappointed” with their performances this campaign.
Defeat by Saracens last time out ended a run of two consecutive home wins and leaves George Skivington’s side ninth with two games remaining – this Saturday at leaders Northampton and seven days later at home to bottom side Newcastle.
“As a playing group we feel disappointed with how we have been performing, but it [eighth] is definitely something we are going after,” 27-year-old Welshman Llewellyn told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
“It will be a real challenge between now and the end of the season to show everyone how well we can actually perform, and what we can do as players, because we haven’t been happy with how it has been before.
“The chance that we have as players is to redeem ourselves, go after it, and show the fans what we can do.”
The Cherry and Whites finished fifth domestically in 2024-25 but came bottom of their Champions Cup pool this campaign.
But head coach Skivington believes his side have shown enough fighting spirit to give themselves another shot among rugby’s European elite in 2026-27.
“That’s definitely a trait that has come through in this group, they have stuck together through thick and thin,” said the 43-year-old.
“They have worked really hard, never taken a week off or come in on a Monday with their heads dropped, they have kept fighting and fighting.
“I am proud of the character they have shown this season.
“The objective is to be better, have a good final two games and hopefully pick up enough points to be in the top eight, that would be important.”
‘Nowhere to hide’ training in this heat – Llewellyn
While much of the United Kingdom has sought solace and shade during the intense heatwave that has covered the country this week, it has been a case of business as usual for sports teams up and down the land, including Gloucester.
“It has been tough, we have had a few tough sessions already and the temperatures don’t make it easier,” Llewellyn said.
“One of the worst things is when you come off at the end of a session, and you’re trying to cool off but there really is nowhere to hide from it.
“You just end up sweating for the rest of the day.”
On the other side of the line, from a coaching standpoint, Skivington is only focused on preparing his side as best as possible for the trip to Northampton, with temperatures set to remain high this weekend.
“There are a few ways of dealing with the heat, you can try getting out the heat or shorten the sessions up – you have to be a little smart, and we did flip a few things around,” he said.
“Ultimately, it is going to be hot at the weekend, and the boys have ripped into it, so we have tried to be as smart as possible without hiding away from it.
“There are worse things to do than training in the heat at the end of the day.”