Charlie Atkinson credits Gloucester revival as England ambition remains

Charlie Atkinson says he is playing the best rugby of his career as Gloucester lead the Premiership following two bonus-point wins. In an interview published by BBC Sport on Thursday, the fly-half credited the atmosphere at Kingsholm while keeping his focus on consistent club performances.

Watch the highlights:

Gloucester finished eighth last season but opened this campaign by beating Exeter before defeating Harlequins 48-0. Atkinson told the BBC that the squad's young core and summer recruits had helped create an environment he enjoys, following difficult periods at Wasps and Leicester earlier in his professional career.

His contribution to the Harlequins win went beyond the final score. Gloucester's match report recorded an Atkinson cross-field kick creating Ben Loader's opening try. Another kick brought George Barton into the contest before the full-back won a breakdown penalty, giving Gloucester attacking territory. Atkinson later combined with Loader in the build-up to a Will Joseph try as the hosts extended their advantage.

The club's eight-try victory also included second-half scores from Seb Atkinson, Caolan Englefield and Barton. Gloucester kept Harlequins scoreless through the closing stages, with Barton and Junior Denny helping halt a threatening attack. The result followed the opening-round success over Exeter and gave Gloucester a second successive win, with both attacking execution and defensive work contributing to the Kingsholm result.

Atkinson's place in Gloucester's longer-term plans was reinforced by a recent contract extension keeping him at Kingsholm until at least 2029. In its announcement, the club identified him as its coaches', players' and supporters' player of the season for 2025-26. George Skivington said there had been interest from elsewhere but pointed to Atkinson's development and belief in Gloucester's programme as reasons for retaining him.

An England return remains an ambition, rather than a confirmed next step. Atkinson told BBC Sport he recognises the competition from Fin Smith, George Ford and Marcus Smith. His only senior cap came against the United States in July 2025, and he said improving his contribution to Gloucester remains the immediate priority.