Billy Twelvetrees praised Gloucester Rugby’s fighting spirit after the British & Irish Lion got his hands on European silverware.
Centre Twelvetrees captained Gloucester in their European final against Edinburgh on Friday night and led by example, scoring a fine opening try as the English side led 13-6 at half-time.
Greig Laidlaw extended the lead to 13 points from the tee after the interval, but Billy Meakes was red-carded for a high tackle with 17 minutes left.
Ross Ford's try boosted Edinburgh's hopes, but Gloucester – who were also able to call on British & Irish Lions hooker Richard Hibbard in their front row – held on for their first European trophy in nine years, much to Twelvetrees’ delight.
“It is massive for us as a group of players,” Twelvetrees told Sky Sports. “We are a new group of players and coaches this year so to get silverware at this stage of the season is massive.
“It means so much to the boys, everyone has worked incredibly hard. Things didn’t go our way in the second half but we stuck to our plan and came away with the result.
“We were making our own errors which was keeping them in the game but they are a quality side and they came back and came back very strong.
“But fair play to the boys, we’ve got over the hurdle and got a medal which is great.
“It shows the belief and the spirit of the boys, it is such a good group that it makes it very easy for me and the coaches. They are a great bunch of guys and I am just very delighted that we got over the line.”
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