GLOUCESTER Rugby lock Tom Savage is hoping to celebrate his new deal with the Cherry & Whites by securing victory over the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, writes Robin Jellis.

The 23-year-old broke into the first team at Kingsholm towards the end of last season and has established himself as a regular, playing in all ten Aviva Premiership games so far.

After an impressive 47-3 win over London Irish in the Amlin Challenge Cup last weekend, with Shane Monahan claiming four tries, Gloucester sit top of Pool One with four straight victories.

And after being handed a new three-year contract last Friday, Savage is looking to continue the rapid development that has seen him become an integral part of the side.

“I’m obviously really happy to have been handed a contract by the club, it shows they have a lot of trust in me as a player,” he said.

“Hopefully I can repay that, and now it’s just a case of continuing to try and improve, and to help us keep performing as a side.

“There have been a lot of changes in the club this season but everything appears to have been positive as we have been playing very well.

“I don’t think you can ever look back on a performance and say that you did everything right, though.

“There are areas in which you can improve, I just need to keep trying to play as well as I can and hopefully I will keep getting better.”

The Cherry & Whites lost their last Aviva Premiership clash 28-23 against Saracens at Vicarage Road, but they bounced back with consecutive wins in Europe.

Nigel Davies’ men secured a 29-22 win at the Madejski Stadium against the Exiles, before the emphatic home win on Saturday.

Savage was impressed with the way Gloucester performed in the Irish double-header, and is now targeting European trophy success.

“It was always going to be a hard thing to secure back-to-back wins against them, but it was very pleasing,” added the second row.

“Playing them twice in quick succession they knew the way we were going to be playing, but hopefully we can build on those wins.

“We’re now in a good position with two European games left, and we’re hoping we can go on and win some silverware.

“Shane (Monahan) has been a bit of a revelation this season – we’ve got such strength in depth at wing with the likes of Charlie Sharples and Jonny May, too.

Aviva are proud to be title sponsor of Aviva Premiership Rugby – one of the world's leading rugby union competitions. Each season will feature 135 games, which will be watched by 1.7 million people live at the grounds and many more through our broadcast partners Sky, ITV and ESPN. Visit www.premiershiprugby.com.