HARTPURY RFC scrum coach Ryan Bower has earned a major career opportunity after being appointed Gloucester Rugby’s new scrum coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 35 year old will continue working with Hartpury RFC as scrum and breakdown coach while also taking on his new responsibilities at Kingsholm. He will step away from his lecturing and coaching duties at Hartpury College but will remain involved with the Gloucester Rugby Academy.

Bower joined Hartpury after serving as forwards and defence coach with the West Midlands Academy, specialising in scrum coaching and helping establish Hartpury’s pack as one of the strongest units in the Championship.

Hartpury Head of Performance Rugby Martin Haag said Bower’s appointment reflected the institution’s commitment to developing coaches as well as players.

He said: “We are sorry to see Ryan leave the programme, but a key part of what we do is developing people as well as players.

“We are delighted he has earned this fantastic opportunity and are equally pleased that he will continue working with Hartpury.

“We look forward to him bringing new skills and ideas back into our environment.”

Gloucester head coach George Skivington praised Bower’s work with Hartpury and believes his experience across the pathway will benefit the Premiership club.

He said: “Ryan has developed Hartpury’s scrum into one of the competition’s standout units. It’s hugely advantageous for us to have a specialist coach working across all levels of our pathway.”

Bower enjoyed a playing career with Leicester Tigers, Nottingham, Worcester Warriors and American side Dallas Jackals before moving into coaching.

Reacting to his appointment, he said: “The scrum has long been a cornerstone of Gloucester’s identity, so to be entrusted with playing a key role in that area is a real honour. I’m looking forward to getting started.”