A good week gets better for Gloucester

The Cherry and Whites enjoyed their best European weekend of the season so far in Round 5 when they downed previously unbeaten Biarritz to keep their Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup hopes just about alive.

And if that wasn't enough to delight the Kingsholm faithful, head coach Bryan Redpath has now secured the services of star flanker Akapusi Qera and the improving young trio of fly-half cum full back Freddie Burns, try scoring sensation Charlie Sharples and centre Henry Trinder.

The news follows last week's announcement that hooker Alasdair Dickinson, blindside flanker Alasdair Strokosch and prop Nick Wood would all be remaining in the West Country for between two and three extra seasons.

Qera, who signed from Pertemps Bees after representing Fiji at the 2007 World Cup, has become a fans favourite at the West Country outfit.

A knee injury saw him make just six appearances last season but he is now back in action and looking to add to a fine try-scoring record in Gloucester colours.

"Q brings real dynamism to our back row," said Redpath, whose side face Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade next weekend.

"He gets around the park, he carries well and scores plenty of tries. He works hard and he's still keen to learn and develop his game.

"He's settled in well here at Gloucester, is popular with the rest of the squad and he'll bring a lot to the side over the next couple of years."

Academy products Burns, Sharples and Trinder have joined Qera in signing two-year extensions to their current deals as they look to continue their fine starts to their professional careers.

Sharples and Trinder represented England U-20s in last year's World Championship Final in Tokyo, while Burns is expected to start for the same side in next month's Six Nations Championship.

All three players were named in Gloucester's Heineken Cup squad this season, with Sharples having scored two tries in four European performances.

"I'm really pleased to have sorted out these contracts. It's important that as a club we develop and retain the best young talent, and all three of them have so much potential to play a big part in Gloucester's future," added Redpath.

"Freddie has stepped in at fly-half this season and showed maturity beyond his years, Charlie can't stop scoring and Henry is a class act in the centre.

"They all have things to work on but they're all committed to improving their game and I hope they'll be a feature of Gloucester sides for many years to come."