Gloucester Rugby are set to gain a boost ahead of their Round 15 Gallagher Premiership meeting with Sale Sharks this Friday at Kingsholm, as three forwards return to full fitness.
Versatile prop Ciaran Knight has resumed full training following a knee injury. Alongside him, hooker Seb Blake and number eight Jack Mann are also back, adding valuable depth and competition to the pack.
Head coach George Skivington provided insight into Knight’s recovery: “He sustained a knee injury that, while not severe, required some time to heal properly. We could have rushed him back against Exeter but chose to let him recover fully. Now, he’s fit and available for selection.”
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In addition to the forwards’ returns, Gloucester have good news in the backline. Jack Innard (hooker), Max Llewellyn (centre), and Ollie Thorley (winger)—all sidelined due to failed Head Injury Assessments (HIAs) in the recent 34-31 win over Exeter Chiefs—have successfully completed the Return to Play protocols. Their availability will intensify competition as Gloucester prepare to face Sale Sharks, who come off a convincing 52-33 victory at Harlequins.
Skivington commented on squad continuity: “We had a few HIAs recently, but all have passed the tests since. Our selection won’t differ much from last week’s squad.”
This stability is a relief for Skivington, who noted after the Exeter victory that it was the closest he has come this season to selecting his strongest possible lineup amidst ongoing injury challenges.
However, not all news is positive. Jamal Ford-Robinson will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery, confirmed by Skivington earlier in the week.
On a brighter note, fullback Ben Redshaw has returned to full training after recovering from an ankle injury. Skivington explained, “Ben’s situation is complex due to previous niggles. We’re proceeding cautiously and trusting our medical staff to get him fully fit for the long term.”
Currently sitting eighth in the league—the last qualifying spot for the Investec Champions Cup—Gloucester face pressure to secure maximum points against seventh-placed Sale. With Harlequins, just five points behind, visiting struggling Newcastle Red Bulls, Gloucester’s upcoming fixture is crucial in the race for European qualification.