Gloucester Rugby Team News

The Cherry & Whites begin 2023 with a challenging fixture at home to league leaders Saracens at Kingsholm tomorrow in the Gallagher Premiership.

Head Coach George Skivington has made five changes to the starting XV that narrowly defeated London Irish on New Year's Eve.

After Santi Socino left the field with a leg injury against the exiles, George McGuigan makes his first start for the club at hooker, after signing from Newcastle Falcons before Christmas.

Val Rapava Ruskin also come into the front row for Harry Elrington, whilst Kirill Gotovtsev keeps his place at tight-head.

Freddie Clarke returns to the starting line-up with Alex Craig also out with injury. He partners Matias Alemanno, who scored the Cherry & Whites sole try against Irish.

With Albert Tuisue suspended, Ben Morgan returns to the back-row with Ruan Ackermann and captain Lewis Ludlow.

Santi Carreras proved to be the difference between the two sides on New Year's Eve, his penalty with the clock in red won the game for Gloucester Rugby. He starts at fly-half outside Ben Meehan.

Giorgi Kveseladze is the only change in the back line. The Georgian replaces Seb Atkinson at inside centre alongside Chris Harris.

Ollie Thorley, Jonny May and Lloyd Evans form the back three.

With injuries to Socino and Jack Singleton, promising hooker Seb Blake steps up to the bench. He joins Harry Elrington, Ciaran Knight, Cam Jordan, Jack Clement, Stephen Varney, Billy Twelvetrees and Tom Seabrook.

Gloucester Rugby

15. Lloyd Evans*

14. Jonny May*

13. Chris Harris

12. Giorgi Kveseladze

11. Ollie Thorley*

10. Santi Carreras

9. Ben Meehan

1. Val Rapava Ruskin

2. George McGuigan

3. Kirill Gotovtsev

4. Freddie Clarke*

5. Matias Alemanno

6. Ruan Ackermann

7. Lewis ludlow (c)*

8. Ben Morgan

16. Seb Blake*

17. Harry Elrington

18. Ciaran Knight*

19. Cam Jordan*

20. Jack Clement*

21. Stephen Varney*

22. Billy Twelvetrees

23. Tom Seabrook*

*Denotes academy graduate.