Gloucester Rugby's George Barton will captain the side in their Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Bristol Bears tomorrow afternoon at Kingsholm.

Barton, a lifelong Gloucester rugby fan, knows what a West Country derby means to the supporters at Kingsholm, and expects an exciting game on Saturday.

"A West Country derby in front of the Shed is always amazing. We know what they're going to bring, they're going to want to play a lot with the ball which I think for us is exciting because we thrive off of our defence.

It will be an exciting game for people to come and watch and one I'm looking forward to."

The Cherry & Whites come into the game off the back of back to back league losses. Barton insists their were positives to take from last week's defeat to Newcastle and says he was happy to get some game time under his belt despite the result.

"I thought we played in the right areas but just didn't take our opportunities, especially when they went down to 13 men.

"We've had a lot of good meetings this week about how to change that, and hopefully that will reflect upon this week's performance.

"All I want to do is get game time, especially at Kingsholm and show what I can do. It felt good being back out there again."

Academy graduate Barton is proud to be able to lead the Cherry & Whites this weekend, but says his focus is firmly on the team.

"As a young player, to be able to captain my boyhood club is a real privilege, especially at Kingsholm in a West Country derby. But I'm just focussing on trying to lead the lads and point us towards victory, I'm not letting the occasion get to me."

Gloucester Rugby are using the game to promote community rugby, and the Cherry & Whites will be sporting socks from their grassroots clubs.

Barton is proud to be wearing his Longlevens socks, a club just five minutes down the road from Kingsholm.

"I'll be wearing my Longlevens socks. It's the club I first picked up a rugby ball at four years old, so it's a massive part of my career.

"There's a lot of local clubs around Gloucester and I think the more drive and emphasis we put on the importance of these clubs, hopefully the more players come through the programme and we see more in Cherry & White down the line."

The 22-year-old has just penned a new deal with his boyhood club. And he's thrilled to extend his time at Kingsholm.

Captain George Barton targets 3 from 3 in the Premiership Rugby Cup

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