Gloucester Rugby is gearing up for a challenging quarter-final match against Bath in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Director of rugby George Skivington confirmed that the team is set to deploy its top players for the fixture at the Recreation Ground.
Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams, who has been a regular player in the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, returns from a mandated rest week. Additionally, Gareth Anscombe, recovering from a hamstring injury, is available for selection this weekend.
Skivington emphasized the importance of fielding the strongest available side, considering the upcoming tough fixtures. He expressed confidence in the team’s spirit and cohesion, highlighting the significance of securing a win.
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Speaking about the squad’s fitness, Skivington provided updates, stating that Gareth Anscombe has rejoined training, while Max Llewellyn remains unavailable. The team is in high spirits, gearing up for the upcoming challenge.
With Anscombe’s return, Skivington faces a healthy selection conundrum at fly-half, given Charlie Atkinson’s commendable performances in recent matches. The director praised Atkinson’s progress and acknowledged the genuine selection decisions to be made.
In the forwards, Loosehead prop Val Rapava-Ruskin’s absence in the game against France was part of a planned gradual return to play process developed by the club’s medical team.
Skivington detailed the planning behind Ruskin’s absence, emphasizing the strategic approach in managing his return to play, following knee treatment during the break.