Since then, he has been working his way back from an operation which saw pins inserted into his thumbs and he'll be looking forward to a competitive run out.
Also seeking to push their first team claims ahead of the Heineken Cup trip to Connacht this weekend are the likes of Jonny May and Lesley Vainikolo who have both featured frequently for the first XV this season.
The pack is a mixture of first team squad and Academy potential with the front row having all been amongst the replacements at Newcastle on Friday evening.
Gloucester Rugby:
Jonny May; Lesley Vainikolo, Ben Mercer (Plymouth), Ryan Mills, Ian Clark; Tim Taylor, Nick Runciman; Dan Murphy, Matias Cortese, Dario Chistolini; Will Graulich, Dave Markham; Matt Cox, Andy Hazell, Gareth Evans
Replacements:
Yann Thomas, Koree Britton, Shaun Knight, Rob Langley, Tom Ailes, Dan Robson, Rory Teague (Cinderford), Sandro Nijaradze (Hartpury)
