Tindall: New season

A few things went wrong with the old body last year but at the moment everything's top notch so hopefully it'll stay that way.

Mike Tindall
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Gloucester centre Mike Tindall says his side want to finally go one better this coming season and lift the Guinness Premiership title.

The Cherry-and-Whites have finished top of the Premiership table in the last two seasons but have both times failed to go on to lift the title.

Last season Leicester Tigers knocked them out at home in the play-off semi-finals, while the same opponents beat Gloucester in the final the season before.

Tindall says Gloucester are determined not to have the nearly men tag attached to them after this coming season.

"It's getting to quite an annoying stage now where we've finished top twice but yet come away with nothing," Tindall told Sky Sports News.

Frustrated

"Last year was a massive frustration as we thought we were a good enough team to go on and win now but we didn't.

"We don't want that tag of not performing in the big games.

Tindall says Gloucester have spent pre-season trying to adjust to the new ELV laws of the game, which has been a confusion.

"We had a dodgy game in France last week, just trying to get used to the ELVs and the new things that are going on and how referees are going to deal with them," Tindall added.

"So this season it's been really important to get these pre-season games in just to see how they're going to be reffed and to see how you will change your game plan to suit you."

Barkley boost

Gloucester have added Bath star Olly Barkley to their ranks for the new season, and such a quality signing gives hope of going one further next season.

"Knowing the way he played last year, if he can produce that form again he's going to massively help in our campaign," Tindall said of Barkley.

Tindall himself endured a difficult time last season with a few injuries and a serious incident playing for England in which he punctured his lung, and also suffered a tear in his liver.

Now back to full fitness though, Tindall is relishing the prospect of playing for England again, but knows club form comes first.

"A few things went wrong with the old body last year but at the moment everything's top notch so hopefully it'll stay that way," he added.

"The England thing's in a transition period.

"So that's obviously a massive incentive but it all starts with playing well for Gloucester and winning games for Gloucester."