Brian Noble visited the University of Gloucestershire this week to talk ‘team tactics’ for the new season.

On his Gloucestershire tour Noble visited the University’s Oxstalls campus, in Gloucester to view the facilities and meet staff and students, as well as The Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham, the match-day venue for the club.

He also made a special trip to the 1908 heritage plaque at the Athletic Ground in Cheltenham, which commemorates the “great match” of 15th February 1908 and which bestowed on Cheltenham the title of the birthplace of international Rugby League.

Brian commented: “It’s been an absolutely fabulous day and I have been pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm and energy shown by staff and students at the University of Gloucestershire, as well as the standard of excellence that Rugby League has throughout Gloucestershire.”

The University of Gloucestershire first team are currently rated as one of the top 8 student sides in Europe in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Super 8 League. Gloucestershire first team captain and sports education student Harry Boughton was amongst the students to meet Brian. He commented:

“In 2011-12 the club is looking to improve on last year’s performances of all three teams, and we feel we have the calibre of players and the support and enthusiasm of the committee and the University to do so. In our first season of the Super 8s UGRL we finished fourth with strong performances throughout, and this year we aim to have a season just as strong, if not stronger.”

Brian was also joined by Bradford Bulls league star, Lesley Vainikolo and Chairman and Supporter of the Rugby League Committee at the University Lionel Hurst, who will make a substantial contribution to the rugby league team at Gloucestershire to help push the squad to the next level. Lionel said: “It was a wonderful and professionally organised day. The presence of Brian Noble will provide a great shot in the arm for the outstanding sport of rugby league in Gloucestershire.”

Andy Pitchford, Director of Sport at the University of Gloucestershire was delighted: "To have Brian visit us is great recognition of the achievements of our rugby league club. Thanks to the generous support of Lionel, we're looking forward to a great period for our team and we hope that they can move on from strength to strength."

Director of Rugby at the University of Gloucestershire, Ken Stone, added: “The day has been a great success and has been a testament to everybody involved. I am so proud to see the steps that the squad has made and we are certainly on the right track towards excellence.”

Further information about the University of Gloucestershire visit www.glos.ac.uk