Get ready for an explosive West Country showdown as Gloucester and Bath lock horns at Kingsholm this Friday! This highly anticipated PREM derby promises to be a thrilling affair, with both teams naming their squads for an intense battle.
For Gloucester, there's a boost as wing back Ollie Thorley returns from his ban, ready to make an impact. He'll be joined by the talented Tomos Williams, who captains the side from scrum-half. The midfield partnership of Josiah Edwards Giraud and Seb Atkinson aims to spark some early-season magic, while the electric Charlie Atkinson at fly-half adds further excitement.
But here's where it gets controversial... Bath boss Johann van Graan has made some bold moves, bringing in Francois van Wyk, Dan Frost, and Archie Griffin to start. This trio adds a new dynamic to the tight five, alongside Ted Hill and Quinn Roux.
And this is the part most people miss... the retirement of an England legend has sparked a 'clear shift' at Saracens, which could impact the future of the club.
In the back-row, Bath fields Josh Bayliss, Ethan Staddon, and Arthur Green, while Ben Spencer captains the side and partners Finn Russell in the half-backs. The centre pairing of Max Ojomoh and Chris Harris adds further depth.
On the wings, Will Muir and Louie Hennessey start, with Santi Carreras at full-back. Among the replacements, Beno Obano, Kepu Tuipulotu, and Thomas du Toit provide front-row power, joined by the returning Charlie Ewels. Bernard van der Linde is set to make his debut, while Henry Arundell completes the squad.
So, who will reign supreme in this bitter rivalry? Will Gloucester's returning players make a difference, or will Bath's strategic moves pay off? Let's find out on Friday, January 23, at Kingsholm.
Don't miss this epic clash!
Gloucester:
15. George Barton
14. Josh Hathaway
13. Josiah Edwards Giraud
12. Seb Atkinson
11. Ollie Thorley
10. Charlie Atkinson
9. Tomos Williams (c)
8. Will Trenholm
7. Lewis Ludlow
6. James Venter
5. Matias Alemanno
4. Deian Gwynne
3. Afo Fasogbon
2. Will Crane
1. Val Rapava Ruskin
Replacements:
16. George Knowles
17. Ciaran Knight
18. Kirill Gotovtsev
19. Cam Jordan
20. Jack Mann
21. Mikey Austin
22. Ross Byrne
23. Jack Cotgreave
Bath:
15. Santi Carreras
14. Louie Hennessey
13. Chris Harris
12. Max Ojomoh
11. Will Muir
10. Finn Russell
9. Ben Spencer (c)
8. Arthur Green
7. Ethan Staddon
6. Josh Bayliss
5. Quinn Roux
4. Ted Hill
3. Archie Griffin
2. Dan Frost
1. Francois van Wyk
Replacements:
16. Kepu Tuipulotu
17. Beno Obano
18. Thomas du Toit
19. Charlie Ewels
20. Guy Pepper
21. Bernard van der Linde
22. Henry Arundell
23. Sam Underhill
Date: Friday, January 23
Venue: Kingsholm
Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley, Jamie Leahy
TMO: David Rose
