Gloucester Rugby team news

December 08, 2023
1739
Ultimate Rugby

Director of Rugby, George Skivington, has named his matchday squad to take on Black Lion in Georgia tomorrow in the opening round of this season's European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Skivington explained earlier this week, why he's had to manage his squad carefully between this weekend's game in Georgia and next weekend's Kingsholm clash with three-time Challenge Cup winners, Clermont.

He said: "Player welfare is obviously very important and we have to look after the lads physically and mentally. Some guys have played a lot of rugby - we have 21 games on the bounce before a break.

"Some lads have been given some time to recharge, whilst also there's some lads in their positions hungry to take their opportunity."

Jamal Ford-Robinson, starts at loosehead prop, after scoring a brace from the bench against Bristol last weekend. He joins hooker, Seb Blake, and tighthead, Kirill Gotovtsev, in the front row.

Freddie Clarke starts alongside Cam Jordan in the second row, with Freddie Thomas, Ben Donnell and captain. Harry Taylor completing the pack.

Micky Young starts at scrum-half, with George Barton returning to the starting XV at fly-half.

In the centre, Seb Atkinson is partnered with Louis Hillman-Cooper.

England international, Jonny May, returns to the Cherry & Whites' starting XV for the first time since his suspension picked up in our Gallagher Premiership fixture against Bath.

May is joined by Alex Hearle and Jake Morris in the back three.

On the bench, George McGuigan, Harry Elrington, Ciaran Knight, Arthur Clark and Club Captain, Lewis Ludlow, provide cover for the forwards, with Charlie Chapman, Max Llewellyn and Josh Hathaway in reserve for the forwards.