Gloucester Rugby are beginning to see the return of some key first-team players ahead of their crucial Gallagher Premiership Round Six match against Harlequins at Kingsholm this Saturday. Director of Rugby George Skivington has confirmed a steady recovery from injuries with several stars ready to rejoin the squad, which is a significant boost as Gloucester look to reverse their recent fortunes.
Among those nearing a comeback are former captain Lewis Ludlow, alongside England international centres Seb Atkinson and Will Joseph. All three are expected to be in contention to face Harlequins, as both Gloucester and Harlequins sit eighth and ninth respectively, each eager to climb the Premiership table and ignite their seasons.
Ludlow, who handed over captaincy to Welsh star Tomos Williams this season, has been notably missed during Gloucester’s difficult start, which has seen them lose their first five league matches. His absence has been due to a broken hand, but he is now back in the squad mix.
Will Joseph missed England A duty this autumn after sustaining an injury in Gloucester’s heavy 39-12 defeat to Exeter Chiefs in October, but he is progressing well and close to returning. Similarly, Seb Atkinson has been sidelined with a knee and hip injury sustained during the 38-17 loss at Bath, which ruled him out of England contention during the Quilter Nations Series. Atkinson, who impressed during the summer tour to Argentina, has been motivated to get back on the field despite Bath’s Max Ojomoh recently putting on a standout performance in his position for England.
Skivington commented on Atkinson’s situation: “What’s your luck? You are injured, and someone else comes in and is man of the match. But Seb is a highly motivated, top professional. He’s desperate to play and hasn’t enjoyed sitting on the sidelines. He’s our vice-captain for a reason, and it’s great to have him back training.”
Alongside Ludlow and Atkinson, other players like Jack Clement are still recovering, while a few more are gradually returning to training. Skivington described it as moving past the injury crisis and expecting more big names back over the next few weeks.
Additionally, former star Val Rapava-Ruskin has begun training again after struggling with longstanding knee issues at the start of the season. Skivington remained cautious but hopeful, stating, “Val’s doing some training… He is smiling.”
The club’s Welsh and Argentine internationals—Max Llewellyn, Tomos Williams, Freddie Thomas, and Matias Alemanno—have returned from international duty healthy and ready for club matches. While Wales recently faced the Springboks in Cardiff, these players are available for Gloucester’s upcoming fixture.
Skivington added: “The Welsh lads are full of energy and good spirits. We had a refreshing boost from the England A players last week during training, which was a lot of fun. We’ve had some really strong sessions. Now, it’s all about taking that momentum into the game against Quins.”
The England A contingent, featuring young talents such as prop Afo Fasogbon, fly-half Charlie Atkinson, full-back Ben Redshaw, scrum-half Caolan Englefield, and prop Kieran Knight, have provided valuable depth and competition in training, even if not all made the matchday squads against the All Blacks XV or Spain.
With key players returning and the squad regaining fitness, Gloucester Rugby will be aiming to end their losing streak and build momentum in the competitive Gallagher Premiership season as they face off against Harlequins this weekend.