Henry Trinder returns to the Gloucester Rugby squad for the first time since September after being named on the replacements bench for tomorrow's Premiership clash with Leicester Tigers.
only Bill Meakes, Dan Robson and Dan Murphy retain their places in the side from last week's LV=Cup win against Harlequins as director of rugby David Humphreys rings the changes.
Charlie Sharples returns after missing several weeks with a leg injury and lines up at full back, while a host of other first team regulars are back after missing the last couple of weekends.
Meanwhile, Trinder returns having been sidelined since week two, at home to the Sale Sharks, and is named amongst the replacements.
Head Coach Laurie Fisher admitted that, despite his team's good recent run of results, Gloucester are expecting a huge challenge at Welford Road.
"Momentum and confidence are massive in rugby, and to have won six from our last six, with two good performances in the LV=, is great for the confidence of the team. They're bouncing around and enjoying training. There are things to work on but we're taking momentum with us.
"We've also been able to rest a number of players over the past couple of weeks and we're hoping that they come back fresh as we push into what's going to be an exceptionally difficult four week block of fixtures.
"It starts with an exceptionally difficult game at Welford Road on Friday night. It's a game of footy, there's four points up for grabs. They've got a great record at home and a lot of pride, but we'll turn up and do our best.
"They'll be missing some players, but they're just such a tough side anywhere, but particularly at Welford Road. We're not expecting any favours, they'll deliver what they can deliver. It'll be an exceptionally tough night for us."
Gloucester Rugby:
Charlie Sharples; David Halaifonua, Mark Atkinson, Bill Meakes, Henry Purdy; James Hook, Dan Robson; Dan Murphy, Darren Dawidiuk, John Afoa; Tom Savage, Tom Palmer; Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Kvesic, Gareth Evans
Replacements:
Aleki Lutui, Yann Thomas, Shaun Knight, James Hudson, Ross Moriarty, Callum Braley, Billy Burns, Henry Trinder
Former Gloucester fly-half Freddie Burns starts for the Tigers against his former club, while lock Graham Kitchener is also included in the XV after being released by England.
Leicester Tigers:
Mathew Tait; Adam Thompstone, George Catchpole, Seremaia Bai, Vereniki Goneva; Freddie Burns, Sam Harrison; Marcos Ayerza, Neil Briggs, Logovi'i Mulipola, Sebastian de Chaves, Graham Kitchener, Jamie Gibson, Julian Salvi, Jordan Crane (c)
Replacements:
Harry Thacker, Michele Rizzo, Fraser Balmain, Jack Whetton, Laurence Pearce, David Mele, Jack Roberts, Miles Benjamin
