IF GLOUCESTER really want to win the top trophies, now is the time to prove it, believes Billy Twelvetrees.
The versatile playmaker has challenged the Cherry and Whites to set a precedent for next season at Exeter today.
The Kingsholm men will close their Premiership campaign against the Chiefs at Sandy Park (kick-off 2.30pm) – intent on claiming a victory to send them into the summer break on a high.
Powerful centre Twelvetrees is confident Gloucester have the talent, ability and potential to land Premiership and European titles next term and beyond.
But the 24-year-old believes they must add an extra mental edge – and prove their trophy-winning intent without any delay.
Exeter are still fighting for Heineken Cup qualification, while Gloucester have already secured their spot.
Twelvetrees believes Gloucester can ill afford to ease off against the fiery Devonians.
He explained: "We had a bit of a summary after our Sarries win, and there were a lot of frustrations.
"A couple of times this season we've let ourselves down, and that undoes all the good work from victories like that over Saracens, and we don't want to do that ever again.
"So we certainly don't want to stumble at the final hurdle of the season now.
"We're a team that wants to be in the top four next year, improve again, and we can hopefully start that process today.
"We still want to finish fifth, they want to qualify for the Heineken Cup slot, so there will be no love lost there.
"If we're going to break into the top four and challenge for trophies, then we've got to prove it.
"That needs to start now.
"Both sides will be fully up for it, and nothing will be given.
"It's our job, our profession and we love doing it.
"The people who come out week on week to support us, we've got to match their passion and commitment.
"We play the game for a reason, that's to enjoy it and play good rugby – but also to win.
"And that's what we're going down there to do today."
Revelling playing in Gloucester's 'unique' backline, Twelvetrees backed the Cherry and Whites to assess themselves brutally in the summer in order to improve next season.
He continued: "To keep improving we've got to keep working hard and be honest with ourselves.
"It's a unique opportunity to play in a backline like this, no one else really has anything similar.
"We've spent a lot of time progressing this season, and hopefully next year we can use that experience to our benefit.
"We'll have a firm foundation hopefully to build on.
"We'll raise expectations again.
"Every home game will be must-win, and every away game will need to be there for the taking.
"We are certainly capable of making the step, we've just got to get going."
