Internationals returns for both Irish and Gloucester

London Irish will this week welcome back Geoff Cross, Kieran Low, Blair Cowan, Jebb Sinclair and Ofisa Treviranus to their starting line-up for the Aviva Premiership clash with Gloucester on Sunday at Madejski Stadium.

All have returned from Autumn International duty with their respective nations to add more steel to the Irish pack.

Tom Court, David Paice and Geoff Cross make up the front row with George Skivington and Kieran Low in the second row. Jebb Sinclair, Blair Cowan and Ofisa Treviranus form the back row.

Chris Noakes and Scott Steele form the half back pairing with Shane Geraghty and Fergus Mulchrone in the centre. James Short, Alex Lewington and Tom Homer, who returns from injury, make up the back three.

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith said: “It’s good to have the six International boys back. They’ve added energy to the group and will reinforce the pack. Gloucester are a quality side with big ambitions. They’ve invested heavily in their coaching team and squad. We are looking forward to the battle and the chance to play in front of our supporters. For us this weekend is all about getting the result.” 

London Irish team to play Gloucester Rugby:

15. Tom Homer; 14. Alex Lewington; 13. Fergus Mulchrone; 12. Shane Geraghty*; 11. James Short; 10. Chris Noakes; 9. Scott Steele; 1. Tom Court*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Geoff Cross*; 4. George Skivington (Captain); 5. Kieran Low*; 6. Jebb Sinclair*; 7. Blair Cowan*; 8. Ofisa Treviranus*

Replacements: 16. Tom Woolstencroft; 17. Leo Halavatau; 18. Halani Aulika*; 19. Dan Leo*; 20. Conor Gilsenan; 21. Darren Allinson; 22. Eoin Griffin; 23. Topsy Ojo

Greig Laidlaw, who will captain the side Gloucester, is one of a number of players who return from international duty and feature in Sunday's Aviva Premiership game at London Irish on Sunday.

Laidlaw will partner James Hook at half-back, the latter returning from international duty with Wales.

Also back having represented their country over the past few weekends, and straight into the starting line up, are Richard Hibbard and Sione Kalamafoni. Meanwhile, Aleki Lutui and Sila Puafisi are named amongst the replacements.

Charlie Sharples and Henry Purdy have both recovered from the knocks they picked up at Newcastle last Friday, but Dan Robson is ruled out.

Gloucester Rugby:
15. Steve McColl; 14. Charlie Sharples,13. Billy Meakes, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Henry Purdy; 10. James Hook, 9. Greig Laidlaw (capt); 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Richard Hibbard, 3. John Afoa; 4. Tom Savage, 5. Tom Palmer; 6. Sione Kalamafoni, 7. Matt Kvesic, 8. Gareth Evans

Replacements:
Aleki Lutui, James Gibbons, Sila Puafisi, Elliott Stooke, Ross Moriarty, Callum Braley, Billy Burns, Shane Monahan