Gloucester Rugby has been dealt another blow in the Premiership rugby backline as winger Ben Loader faces an extended spell on the sidelines following a hamstring re-injury. Director of rugby George Skivington has confirmed that Loader is unlikely to return until the “back end of the season,” compounding Gloucester’s struggles in the 2025-26 campaign.
Loader’s Injury Setback
The 27-year-old former London Irish winger was forced off in the 16th minute of Gloucester’s 27 December defeat to Saracens, marking his first appearance for the club in 11 weeks.
Loader had originally sustained the hamstring injury in October 2025, limiting him to just five appearances this season. His only try for the Cherry and Whites came in a loss to Bath in October, but persistent injuries have prevented him from making a consistent impact in Prem rugby union.
“We brought Benny over with a proper purpose, and we’re going to be right into the back end of the season before we see him again most likely,” Skivington told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
Loader’s move to Gloucester followed a stint in South Africa with the Stormers, after the collapse of London Irish in 2023. Skivington praised Loader’s commitment:
“He spent the last few months in that lonely, isolated world of rehab and has worked really hard. He made a big decision to come over from the Stormers where he was happy and settled. He wants to play well for Gloucester and in the Premiership again, and it’s just been a terrible start for him.”
Impact on Gloucester’s Premiership Campaign
Loader joins a long list of injured backline players at Gloucester, who have struggled with just one win in eight Premiership games so far this season. His absence will be felt in upcoming fixtures, including the bottom-of-the-table clash against Newcastle Red Bulls.
Skivington stressed the club’s approach to Loader’s recovery:
“On a personal level, we’ll make sure we look after him, get him on the rehab plan, and make sure when he comes back next time it doesn’t happen again.”
Gloucester are now 21 points off the top four, with only one more home game against Bath scheduled before the six-week Six Nations break in February and March.
Management and Coaching Restructuring
Skivington confirmed that changes to Gloucester’s management and coaching structure are underway. Chief executive Alex Brown recently addressed supporters, noting that the club is working hard to get back on track.
“Recruitment and retention, there’s been some changes there in personnel. Myself and Browny are sitting over that now until we get exactly what the plan is going to be going forward,” Skivington said.
He added that the club is working through personnel and structural decisions, which will be announced publicly once finalized.
Gloucester Squad Update
- Injury List: Ben Loader (hamstring), plus other backline absences
- Next Fixture: Newcastle Red Bulls, Friday, 3 January
- Premiership Standing: 21 points off top four
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