INFLUENTIAL captain Jim Hamilton has helped form the bedrock of Gloucester's new era, hails boss Nigel Davies.
Totemic lock Hamilton's ankle injury will deny him the chance of one final Cherry and Whites bow at Exeter tomorrow, before making the summer switch to Montpellier.
The 30-year-old Kingsholm skipper was keen to sign off on his three Gloucester seasons on his own terms.
And rugby director Davies admits it is a shame the Scotland lock cannot put in one last shift for Gloucester's final game of the season at Sandy Park (kick-off 2.30pm).
Davies said Gloucester will not just miss Hamilton's physicality and bulk in the tight five – the Cherry and Whites will also miss his leadership qualities.
Cult figure 'Big Jim' will certainly leave a sizeable hole in Gloucester's engine room when he heads off to France's Top 14 – but Davies said he will leave having played a pivotal role in the Kingsholm club's progress.
The former Wales centre explained: "It would have been nice for Jim to have been involved against Saracens, and also at Exeter.
"The last game at Kingsholm would have been great for him to play a part in, to sign off in front of our supporters.
"But that hasn't been able to happen, and unfortunately that's just the way it is.
"He's been a great captain, he has galvanised the group extremely well.
"He's got a huge presence, both physically and within the dynamic of the team.
"And that's important in rugby that you have those types of leaders.
"Jim has led supremely well and he's been a credit to the club."
Boss Davies is keen for Gloucester to complete their season with a victory in Devon, but appreciates the magnitude of the task against a side still fighting to secure the final Heineken Cup qualification spot.
One man itching to get back into the fray is hooker Darren Dawidiuk, available once again after serving his full six-week ban for his red card in Gloucester's 31-25 Premiership defeat at Bath on Friday, March 1.
The Cornish hooker (inset) is desperate to end the season on a positive note and shrug off any lingering effects from the ban, and Davies expects him to show up well on his return to action.
Former Scarlets boss Davies said young Gloucester hooker Koree Britton has benefited from an extended run in the Cherry and Whites side though – admitting that would stand the abrasive 21-year-old in good stead for next season.
Davies continued: "It's been a shame that Darren's been out for so long, but he's chomping at the bit to get back into things now, unsurprisingly.
"One by-product of Darren's ban has been the opportunity for Koree, and he's performed very well with more exposure to starting matches.
"He played very well against Saracens as a result of having a run, and that will continue to benefit him as things move forward."
