From BBC Sport · · 2m
Atkinson finds home at Gloucester after Wasps collapse
Fly-half Charlie Atkinson has rebuilt his career at Gloucester after losing his job when Wasps went into administration, and now sits atop the Premiership.
In brief
Fly-half Charlie Atkinson has rebuilt his career at Gloucester after losing his job when Wasps went into administration, and now sits atop the Premiership. Charlie Atkinson has rebuilt his rugby career at Gloucester after Wasps collapsed in October two thousand twenty-two, and now leads the Premiership table…
Red card from his hero
Charlie Atkinson was eighteen when he made his second Premiership appearance for Wasps in September two thousand twenty against Saracens. Owen Farrell's high tackle left him unconscious on the Stonex pitch.
“I mean, I met my hero”
Wasps' final game
Three days after his twenty-first birthday, Atkinson played in Wasps' final ever game, a dramatic forty thirty-six defeat by Northampton in October two thousand twenty-two. He had no warning the club was about to collapse.
“That next Tuesday or Wednesday they broke the news that our jobs were gone.”
Leicester detour
After Wasps went into administration, Atkinson signed with Leicester Tigers, convinced by Steve Borthwick who had just won the Premiership title. Borthwick left for England two months later, and Atkinson struggled under new boss Dan McKellar.
Move to Gloucester
While completing a house purchase in Leicester, Atkinson's agent told him Gloucester had agreed a deal to sign him. He joined the Cherry and Whites and found the stability he had been seeking.
“I'm just forever grateful for Gloucester for coming in then because who knows where I could have ended up.”
Gloucester's flying start
Gloucester finished eighth last season but have started this campaign at the top of the Premiership table. They beat Prem finalist Exeter on the opening day, then flattened Harlequins forty-eight nil in front of a bouncing home crowd.
England caps in sight
Atkinson earned his solitary England cap in July two thousand twenty-five, coming on for the final eighteen minutes of a forty five win over the United States. He has been a regular for England A and is on the edge of the senior squad.
Competition for the number ten
Atkinson faces stiff competition for England's fly-half position from Fin Smith, George Ford and Marcus Smith. He says he is focusing on consistency at Gloucester while keeping international ambitions in mind.
“right now is probably the best rugby that I've ever played.”
Leicester return on Friday
Gloucester travel to Leicester on Friday ninth October at nineteen forty-five BST at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Atkinson will face his former club and reunite with teammates Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward after the match.
What to remember
Charlie Atkinson has rebuilt his rugby career at Gloucester after Wasps collapsed in October two thousand twenty-two, and now leads the Premiership table.
