THE old-fashioned rugby pyramid is back and handing more local boys the chance to play for Gloucester, believes Cinderford boss Andy Deacon.
Gloucester and Cinderford have forged stronger links than ever before, with the two sides preparing to dual-register a number of players for the new season.
The Cherry and Whites have pledged to send a host of stars for National League One action with the Foresters in the forthcoming campaign.
And Gloucester boss Nigel Davies has admitted he will keep a close eye on the Cinderford talent, with a view to offering top-flight opportunities, if possible.
Kingsholm director of rugby Davies wants to help Cinderford win promotion to the Championship.
And in an ideal world the former Wales centre would gladly see every member of his first-team squad playing a competitive match each weekend, whether with Gloucester or at another club across the county.
Gloucester will also have several players dual-registered with Hartpury RFC once again.
Cinderford rugby director Deacon hailed the new link-up as a big selling-point to potential recruits as he seeks to shape his squad for the new term.
But the Gloucester and Longlevens stalwart also hopes this new move can spark a return back towards the amateur-era days when talented youngsters made their name at junior clubs before stepping up to Kingsholm.
The old-style system worked for Deacon and now he hopes it can be resurrected, to add more avenues into the Cherry and Whites first team.
Deacon explained: "The way it always used to be was that the local clubs would send their best players up to Gloucester.
"Professionalism changed that, and that's hardly surprising.
"But I think that circle can start to turn again, and that will only benefit rugby at every level across the county.
"Traditionally young men would make their name at their own club, prove themselves and show they can cut it, and that would be when they would have the chance for a trial at Gloucester.
"Obviously the academy system at the top level is extremely important, and Gloucester are thriving with that system.
"One look at the young talent in their first team tells you everything you need to know about that.
"But there are still plenty of late developers and it's important to offer as many ways as possible for players to show their worth."
Keen to see Cinderford players push through to Premiership rugby, Deacon said he expects this new link with Gloucester to benefit both parties.
He continued: "This can only be good for us. We know they are always thinking of us.
"It's important for the club, but it's going to be a big selling point for potential recruits too hopefully.
"In this time of austerity, and always with the salary cap in mind, no doubt Gloucester are always looking for a bargain and to unearth fresh talent.
"Nigel's a very fair man, he works extremely hard to deliver on promises or agreements, and I know he will work hard on this, and we will do exactly the same.
"We're already excited for how this will all work.
"We're ambitious and we want ambitious players too.
"So we want players here who want to play at the highest possible level they can.
"And now there's an extra incentive for players who come here – do well and they will be very much in the shop window for Gloucester.
"That's the ideal relationship, with any luck.
"And it gives another link into the Gloucester team from the local area, and you can never have enough of those.
"Nigel's quite adamant that he wants us into the Championship, and obviously that's a huge overall aim of ours."
