Barton is on target to rescue Gloucester
The Rugby Paper|December 10, 2023
A FAULTLESS kicking display off the tee from George Barton saw a coltish Gloucester side halt a run of six defeats on the trot with this hard earned win in a wet Tbilisi. 
BRENDAN GALLAGHER
Barton is on target to rescue Gloucester

It might have been an unspectacular win as Barton landed five penalties, but it was much needed nonetheless. Off the back of some recent hidings coach George Skivington made 15 changes and invited some younger or fringe players to take centre stage and press their claims going forward.

That they did with the older heads enjoying the luxury of a week off to regroup and get their head around the visit of Clemont on Friday, a game Glos will be very keen to win to regain some momentum.

As for Black Lion, it was a decent if nervous debut in Europe and their rugby education will continue this Friday in Wales when they tackle Scarlets.

Black Lion are essentially a Select XV taken from the top 10 semi professional domestic clubs in Georgia with no side asked to contribute more than four players. They were established three years ago to offer more exposure for those Georgians who have either not yet been offered contracts abroad or who prefer to pursue their rugby ambitions based at home.

This story is from the December 10, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.

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This story is from the December 10, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.

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