Young set for first start as Gloucester try to stop rot

where we have addressed that to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“Last week is still pretty sore right now, and it should be, but we have to look towards this (Exeter) game.

“That’s really the beauty of the Premiership, it can be rough and harsh, but you have to get ready and go again the week after and there’s an opportunity to put your best foot forward.”

Skivington has made two changes to the starting XV that was defeated by rivals Bath, both in the back line.

Former Newcastle scrum-half Micky Young is set for his first start since signing for the Cherry & Whites a fortnight ago. He replaces Italy international Stephen Varney, and joins George Barton at half-back.

In midfield, Seb Atkinson and Chris Harris continue their centre partnership, but there is one enforced change in the back three after Jonny May’s was handed a suspension. He is replaced by Louis Rees-Zammit on the wing, with Ollie Thorley and Santi Carreras completing the side.

In an unchanged forwards group, Mayco Vivas, George McGuigan and Fraser Balmain start in the front row, with Matias Alemanno and Freddie Clarke packing down behind them. Jack Clement and Albert Tuisue swap positions, with Tuisue starting at blindside flanker and Clement at number eight, while Lewis Ludlow captains the Cherry & Whites from openside.

Harry Elrington, Ciaran Knight, Arthur Clark, Mark Atkinson and Louis Hillman-Cooper are added to the bench after not being involved in last week’s fixture. Santi Socino and Freddie Thomas keep their places among the replacements, with Varney dropping down from the starting XV to join them. ■ Hartpury have an important game in the Championship this afternoon as they go to Cambridge – one of the other two sides in the division yet to record a win in the league so far this season.

Both sides have lost three out of three, although Hartpury arguably start as favourites if recent matches against big-hitting Ealing Trailfinders are considered – the Red & Blacks edged out 36-28, while Cambridge went down 64-7.

In National League One, Taunton Titans host bottom-of-the-table Leicester Lions, while Cinderford go to the second-placed Rams.

Clifton, in second, host leaders Luctonians in National Two West.

Andrew Matthews/PA > Dejection for Gloucester Rugby after last week’s defeat to Bath Rugby