Gloucester Rugby are on the cusp of a much-needed boost as several key first-team players edge closer to full fitness ahead of their Round Six Gallagher Premiership clash with Harlequins this Saturday at Kingsholm. Director of Rugby George Skivington confirmed a steady return of injured stars, signaling hope for the club’s struggling season.
Among those nearing a comeback are former captain Lewis Ludlow and England international centres Seb Atkinson and Will Joseph. This match between the Gallagher Premiership’s eighth and ninth-placed teams promises intensity, as both clubs seek to turn their seasons around and climb the standings.
Ludlow, sidelined with a broken hand, has been a missed presence for Gloucester amid a difficult start that has seen them lose their opening five matches. Although Welsh star Tomos Williams has taken over the captaincy this season, the leadership and experience Ludlow brings remain valuable assets. Alongside him, centre Will Joseph is returning after an injury sustained during Gloucester’s 39-12 defeat to Exeter Chiefs in October, which also ruled him out of England A selection this autumn.
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Seb Atkinson, Gloucester’s vice-captain, has been out with knee and hip injuries suffered in a heavy defeat to Bath. His absence also ended his hopes of joining England in the Quilter Nations Series. Skivington acknowledges the challenge facing Atkinson, especially after Bath’s Max Ojomoh shined in the same position for England in their recent win over Argentina. “Seb is such a highly motivated, top, top professional. I don’t think he’ll be fazed by this, but he’s eager to get back playing,” said Skivington. “He’s definitely one of the players who has not enjoyed sitting on the sidelines.”
In addition to these key backs and backrow players, former talisman Val Rapava-Ruskin has returned to training after his knee flare-up on the eve of the season. While cautious about raising expectations, Skivington noted, “Val’s doing some training … and he is smiling.”
Skivington also gave updates on other players recovering from injury. Jack Clement is not yet ready, but several others are gradually resuming training. “We’ve got to the other side of the injury crisis. Lots of those big hitters are coming back in over the next few weeks,” he confirmed.
The club’s international players have also returned in good shape. Welsh internationals Max Llewellyn, Tomos Williams, and Freddie Thomas are back and ready after their recent fixtures, despite Wales facing the Springboks in an out-of-window game. Argentine Matias Alemanno, who played against Wales but not England, has also returned rejuvenated. “Matty’s always a great version of himself when he comes back. The Welsh lads are full of beans and really happy to be back,” Skivington said.
The positive momentum is further supported by the involvement of England A players such as Afo Fasogbon, Charlie Atkinson, Ben Redshaw, Caolan Englefield, and Ciaran Knight in recent training sessions, adding depth and energy to the squad ahead of their encounter with Harlequins.
With injuries easing and key players returning, Gloucester will look to harness this renewed strength to halt their losing streak and challenge Harlequins in what promises to be a crucial fixture at Kingsholm.