Fit-again Jake Polledri named to play his first match in 22 months

Gloucester back-rower Jake Polledri will play for his first match in nearly two years when he lines out for his club in Wednesday’s Premiership Rugby Cup fixture versus Worcester at Kingsholm. It was November 2020 when the Italian forward was seriously injured while playing against Scotland in the Autumn Nations Series.

There were fears that Polledri might not play again after damaging his anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments, an injury that had complications since then. He was also dealt the cruel blow earlier this year of his younger brother Sam tragically passing away.

However, the 26-year-old now has a light at the end of the tunnel – at least in a rugby sense – as he has pitched up fit for Gloucester and will play his first competitive match in 22 months when the Warriors pay their midweek visit.

A Gloucester statement read: “George Skivington has named his side for the opening match of the 2022/23 Premiership Rugby Cup campaign against Worcester at Kingsholm on Wednesday evening.

“Experienced Ben Morgan captains the Cherry & Whites at number 8 alongside Jack Clement and Jake Polledri in the back row. Ciaran Knight, Henry Walker and Bryan O’Connor combine to form the front row, with Arthur Clark and Freddie Thomas completing the pack in the second row.

It's been a pleasure to put this together and tell @JakePolledri's story. After two turbulent years out with a horrific injury, he makes his comeback today. Truly world-class, on and off the pitch ? https://t.co/xZKttR9t8t

— Archie Biltcliffe (@ArchBiltcliffe) September 2, 2022

“Stephen Varney is joined by George Barton at half-backs with Giorgi Kveseladze and Jack Reeves in the centre. Jake Morris, Tom Seabrook and Morgan Adderly-Jones form an exciting back three.”

Gloucester (vs Worcester, Wednesday)
15. Morgan Adderly-Jones; 14. Tom Seabrook, 13. Jack Reeves, 12. Giorgi Kveseladze, 11. Jake Morris; 10. George Barton, 9. Stephen Varney; 1. Ciaran Knight, 2. Henry Walker, 3. Bryan O’Connor, 4. Arthur Clark, 5. Freddie Thomas, 6. Jake Polledri, 7. Jack Clement, 8. Ben Morgan (capt). Reps: 16. Seb Blake, 17. Henry Pearson, 18. James Pollard, 19. Andrew Davidson, 20. Rob Nixon, 21. Matty Jones, 22. Isaac Marsh, 23. Will Gilderson.