Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington has called this season the toughest of his career.
The Cherry and Whites finished last season fifth in the Prem, missing out on the play-offs on the final day, but have spent much of this campaign towards the bottom end of the division.
“It’s been the toughest season of my coaching career, without a doubt,” Skivington told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
“I have learned a huge amount, and that is what this season has been all about for me. Hopefully it’s now time to step back, evaluate what you are good at, what you want to do, and how you want to run the club.”
With the Kingsholm side’s released list confirmed, Skivington believes Gloucester can kick on when next season starts in September.
He puts that down to the recent recruitment policy, on and off the pitch.
“The club has been brilliant in appointment, and we now have everyone in the right place, doing what they want to do,” Skivington said.
“I can now put my energy into things I enjoy doing and things I am good at, and hopefully the boys can feed off that.
“It has been a tough year, but the boys and the staff have been unbelievable – they give you such energy and always go hard when we ask them.
“We can now cover much more than before and there is excitement about what we can do going forward.”