Gloucester Rugby captain Billy Twelvetrees has insisted that he is proud of the team despite their crushing defeat to Bordeaux Begles.
A dramatic 23-22 loss at Kingsholm Stadium on Sunday denied Gloucester a place in next season's European Rugby Champions Cup.
However, Twelvetrees believes that his teammates can hold their heads high even though they must play in the European Challenge Cup next term.
"It's a very disappointing way to end the season," he told BBC Sport. "As a group of players we've come a long way this season and are proud of what we have done. It's tough to take but we will come back stronger next season."
Twelvetrees has been included in the England training squad for the Rugby World Cup.
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