Key Highlights
- Gloucester Rugby host Bath Rugby at Kingsholm in Round Four of the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup.
- The game is Gloucester’s last chance to get game time before facing Harlequins on November 29.
- Gloucester are top of Pool A with two wins from three games, while Bath are the defending champions.
- George Skivington faces a tough selection balance between keeping key players and giving younger ones opportunities.
Approaching a Crucial Match
The Gloucester Rugby team is gearing up for a significant clash with their local rivals, Bath Rugby. The match, set to take place on Friday night at Kingsholm, marks Round Four of the 2025/26 PREM Rugby Cup.
Director of rugby George Skivington has a challenging task ahead. With Gloucester currently sitting atop Pool A with two wins from three games, the team is eager to maintain their position and secure a victory against Bath, who are the defending champions.
Selecting the Perfect Team
Skivington must navigate a complex selection process, balancing the need for experienced players with opportunities for younger talents. The upcoming match presents an ideal platform for Gloucester’s youth to showcase their skills, as they prepare for key fixtures in the Champions Cup and the upcoming Christmas block of games.
“There’s a bit of rotation in the team this week and a couple of guys coming in,” said Gloucester’s defence coach Dom Waldouck. “But there are still some opportunities for younger players to put in strong performances, particularly after their efforts against Sale Sharks.”
Rotation Strategy
The strategy involves bringing back key players who have been on international duty with England A and Wales, while also ensuring that the team’s spine remains intact. Players such as Afolabi Fasogbon, Ciaran Knight, Charlie Atkinson, and Caolan Englefield are away for England A, while Tomos Williams, Freddie Thomas, and Max Llewellyn will return from international commitments with Wales.
Waldouck emphasized the importance of creating a balanced team. “It’s a tough balance to make and George does a very good job of doing that,” he said. “But it’s a tough balance of getting cohesion whilst also giving opportunity to guys and creating competition.”
Captaincy Responsibilities
Harry Taylor will once again wear the captain’s armband, taking on the leadership role that he demonstrated effectively in their recent victory against Sale Sharks. “Harry did a brilliant job last week,” Waldouck praised. “He drove the messaging and showed what it means to play for this club.”
Other leaders like George Barton and Will Trenholm will also lead by example, as they continue to inspire their teammates and prepare for the West Country derby.
Preparation and Expectations
The match against Bath is crucial not only for Gloucester’s league standings but also for maintaining their local rivalry. Both teams are well-prepared, with Gloucester aiming to secure a first league win of the season before facing Harlequins at home on November 29.
Waldouck acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Bath is a settled team with a lot of talent across all levels. This will be a very big challenge for us, but we are looking forward to it.”
