GLOUCESTER Rugby's U18s side made it six wins from six this season in the U18 Premiership Rugby competition with a 36-28 win at Northampton last Saturday.

The victory means that Gloucester have finished top of the Northern Conference and will now square off against London Irish at Allianz Park on February 15 to determine the best team in the country.

Neil McCarthy, the former Cirencester RFC player who took on the role of Academy head at Gloucester less than a year ago, said: "I think in terms of performance, it's been really positive.

"We're not necessarily focused on winning the Academy League so results aren't our priority. Our priority is to develop players who are capable of progressing into the first team.

"But it's really pleasing that our performances across the board have been really good and, as a consequence, we've had some good results."

Remarkably, the feeling around the camp is that the U18s haven't perhaps yet fielded their best possible side due to injuries and availability. But, being able to provide playing opportunities to as many players as possible, is a key goal.

"One of the most pleasing elements is that we haven't put the same team out twice," said McCarthy.

"Clearly we have some stand-out players in that group, we also have some lads in the lower sixth who are equally as good and have had as much opportunity.

"It's not just about trying to win the league, it's about trying to create a performance. Equally, we want to develop a programme based on sustainable excellence and that means players at the bottom end of the programme having an opportunity as well. And, when they have an opportunity, doing well.”

Several members of the squad have certainly made the most of their chances, and their performances have led to selection in the Gloucester XV that took on the Barbarians back in November and also for Gloucester United in the A League.

"The A League is part of the pathway," added McCarthy.

"It's a stepping stone to playing in the first team and, if the lads are playing well at U18 level, it's right and proper that we give them an opportunity in the A League.

"We've managed to do that and maintain a winning habit in the A League as well. On both fronts, it's really positive because we want to develop a winning culture but also provide playing opportunities.”

Looking forward, the focus is now on the game against London Irish and it will be a valuable experience, one that will be taken seriously.

"We're approaching this game as if it was a final," said McCarthy. "As such, our preparations will be quite intense. We don't want to heap pressure on the boys because, being able to perform in big games under pressure, ultimately decides who is good and who is great and who is going to progress into the first team.

"We're not going to shy away from the fact that we're in a final. The expectation will increase on us and on the players and we want to go there and win it.”