Azam and Dickinson confirmation expected

GLOUCESTER are expected to confirm Olivier Azam's contract extension early next week.

The Citizen reported back in March that the Frenchman had decided to accept a contract offer from the Kingsholm club and turn down a lucrative move to Toulon.

But the club are still to confirm the signing having been busy with the changes made as a result of chairman Tom Walkinshaw's review since May.

Scottish prop Alasdair Dickinson is also thought to have signed after playing more rugby both for Gloucester and his country last season.

Meanwhile, the dates of the Guinness Premiership fixtures for next season have been confirmed.

Gloucester's huge derby opener against Bath is set for Saturday, September 5.

The confirmed dates are:

SEPTEMBER 5: Bath H, 13: London Irish A, 19: Northampton H, 27: Saracens A.

OCTOBER 4: Leeds A, 24: Wasps H, 30: Sale A.

NOVEMBER 21: Leicester H, 28: Harlequins A.

DECEMBER 5: Newcastle H, 27: Bath A.

JANUARY 2: Worcester H, 10: Newcastle A.

FEBRUARY 13: Harlequins H, 20: Leicester A, 27: Sale H.

MARCH 7: Wasps A, 27: Leeds H.

APRIL 3: Saracens H, 17: Northampton A, 24: London Irish H.

MAY 8: Worcester Warriors A.

● Gloucester have confirmed that team manager Alex Hennessy has parted company with the club.

● Hartpury College's Matt Evans has been selected on the wing for Canada's crucial World Cup qualifier against the USA in Charleston, South Carolina today.