Tindall eyeing fresh Kingsholm start (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tindall eyeing fresh Kingsholm start

RUGBY KICK-OFF: England World Cup winner Mike Tindall has a simple outlook on the new rugby season, admitting: "I am starting all over again from scratch".

Given his recent injury history, it is easy to forget Gloucester's new midfield recruit boasts 41 international caps and started the 2003 World Cup final in Sydney.

But the stark facts are that he has not played Test or Premiership rugby since November last year, a demoralising nine-month period which also cost him any chance of touring New Zealand with Sir Clive Woodward's Lions.

The cynics might suggest 26-year-old Tindall chose his time wisely, given England's slump to become Six Nations also-rans and the Lions' abysmal showing against an embarrassingly superior All Blacks outfit.

Equally though, there is no doubt England missed his bludgeoning presence, and a fully-fit Tindall strutting his stuff during the early Premiership flurries will be a welcome sight for red rose boss Andy Robinson.

But Tindall knows it is a case of first things first, and all he is currently concentrating on is making an impact with Gloucester after joining them from their fierce west country rivals Bath.

"I am looking forward to a fresh start at a fresh club that has great ambitions," he said.

"I think the challenge is massive one of the biggest I have faced. For me, I am starting all over again from scratch.

"I have got to stand up to players and try to impress and influence them. I have to win over the players and coaches in terms of respect, and it's the same with the fans."

Tindall's move from Bath became a protracted 'will he, won't he' saga, but as the Yorkshireman continued his recovery from foot, and then shoulder injuries, so he ultimately decided to call time on a long Recreation Ground career.

"I needed a fresh start to motivate myself, and for me, there is nothing better than trying to prove a point at a new club," he added.

"I don't need any motivation to earn my stripes for a new club and stick my body back on the line.

"I loved Bath, and it will always remain dear to my heart because I spent so long there, but I honestly believe I needed a fresh start."

GLOUCESTER

Ground: Kingsholm.

Capacity: 12,500.

Head coach: Dean Ryan.

Captain: Jake Boer.

Last season: 6th.

Players in: Mike Tindall (Bath), Ludovic Mercier (Pau), Quinton Davids (Western Stormers), Patrice Collazo (Toulouse), Peter Richards (Wasps), Rob Thirlby (Penzance), Anthony Allen (Harlequins), Haydn Thomas (Exeter).

Players out: Andy Gomarsall, Chris Fortey (both Worcester), Nathan Mauger (Ricoh Black Rams, Japan), Seti Kiole (Clermont Auvergne), Noel Curnier (Toulon), Rory Teague (Bristol),