Gloucester Rugby are eager to make a significant impact on their home supporters when they host Sale Sharks at Kingsholm on Saturday, competing in Round Two of the 2026/27 PREM Rugby Cup.
Newly appointed defence coach Joel Tomkins expressed the team’s determination to showcase the fruits of their pre-season efforts to the Cherry and Whites fans. After a narrow 43-40 defeat away to Bristol Bears last weekend, Gloucester are chasing their first victory of the season.
Tomkins stated, “It is our first home game and we definitely want to make a big impression on the fans. There’s going to be a strong attendance, and the supporters want to see what we are about.”
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Reflecting on last week’s performance, he added, “We were disappointed with certain aspects against Bristol, and we’re focused on correcting those areas. We want to demonstrate the right attitude this week. Our supporters should expect a team that attacks and defends with intensity, a team ready to give everything on the field and committed to doing whatever it takes to win.”
Sale Sharks arrive buoyed by a convincing 50-28 win over a Bath Rugby development side, as the club’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, integrates his new high-profile signings ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Gloucester Rugby Starting XV: 15 Ben Redshaw, 14 Ollie Thorley, 13 Will Joseph, 12 Max Knight, 11 Ben Loader, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Caolan Englefield, 1 Dian Bleuler, 2 Seb Blake, 3 Afo Fasogbon, 4 Will Trenholm, 5 Jack Mann, 6 Harry Taylor, 7 Lewis Ludlow (Captain), 8 Jack Clemet.
Replacements: 16 Jack Innard, 17 Val Rapava Ruskin, 18 Ciaran Knight, 19 Tom Worts*, 20 Jack Gilbert, 21 Dan Robson, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Junior Denny.
Sale Sharks Starting XV: 15 Luke James, 14 Tom O’Flaherty, 13 Alex Lozowski, 12 Marius Louw (Captain), 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Ollie Davies, 9 Dom Hanson, 1 Ralph McEachran, 2 Alfie Longstaff, 3 Tye Raymont, 4 Reuben Logan, 5 Tom Burrow, 6 Jos Gilmore, 7 Tristan Woodman, 8 Sam Dugdale.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Jibulu, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Patreece Bell, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Dylan Hodkinson, 21 Gus Warr, 22 Toby Wilson, 23 Alex Wills.
The match will be officiated by referee Craig Maxwell-Keys, with assistance from Sara Cox and Veryan Boscawen.