Gloucester Rugby head coach George Skivington has named a near full-strength squad to face Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in the upcoming Round Six match of the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup.
The Cherry and Whites welcome back three key players from injury: hooker Seb Blake, lock Hugh Bokenham, and number eight Jack Clement. Clement has successfully completed Return to Play protocols following a recent head injury. Their return significantly boosts Gloucester’s forward pack.
Afo Fasogbon retains his position in the front row, flanked by new signing Dian Bleuler and Blake. Bokenham partners veteran Argentina international Matias Alemanno in the second row. The back row features Will Trenholm, captain Harry Taylor, and Clement, combining experience and dynamism.
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With Wales international Tomos Williams called up for international duty, Mikey Austin steps in at scrum-half. Charlie Atkinson remains at fly-half, supported by Irish international Ross Byrne on the bench. Similarly, Seb Atkinson’s absence due to Guinness Six Nations duty opens a starting spot for Academy graduate Max Knight, who pairs with Josiah Edwards Giraud in midfield.
The back three remains unchanged from last week’s narrow derby defeat, with Ollie Thorley, Josh Hathaway, and George Barton selected.
On the bench, new hooker signing Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia is set to make his debut. Ciaran Knight, Nepo Laulala, Josh Basham, and James Venter provide further depth in the forwards, while Rhys Price, Byrne, and Jack Cotgreave cover the backs.
Bristol Bears will field a strong lineup as well, with captain Steven Luatua leading a side featuring experienced players like Max Lahiff and Harry Thacker, alongside promising talents making their appearances.
This fixture promises to be a competitive encounter as both teams aim to advance in the pool stages of the PREM Rugby Cup.