DEFENDING champions Gloucester have confirmed their squad for today's Singha Premiership Rugby 7s series at Kingsholm Stadium.

Steph Reynolds skippers the side in the tournament against Bath, Exeter Chiefs and London Irish.

Back rows Gareth Evans and Dan Thomas, centre Mark Atkinson, and full back Steve McColl will provide the much-needed experience to the Gloucester side, and there will be some academy additions hoping to impress in the form of Will Safe and Joe Mullis, as well as backs Jack Evans, Elliott Creed and former Stow player Ollie Thorley.

The squad boasts some international pedigree too, with half backs Lloyd Evans and Ben Vellacott looking to continue their impressive form following this summer's World Rugby U20 Championships.

Olly Morgan will lead Gloucester this summer, and is excited to see the squad perform in front of a full house this week.

"The Singha Sevens tournament is a useful stepping stone for our young players, and this squad has massive scope to make an impact on the first team in the coming months.

"We have complimented our young and promising players with some experience from the first team. It’s a really important development opportunity for them.

"There is a bit of pressure on us as two-time champions, especially when playing in front of our home crowd, but I’ve no doubt it will be a massively beneficial experience for the squad.”

SQUAD: Steve McColl, Joe Mullis, Elliott Creed, Ollie Thorley, Jack Evans, Will Safe, Dan Thomas, Gareth Evans, Ben Vellacott, Lloyd Evans, Steph Reynolds (capt), Mark Atkinson.

MATCH SCHEDULE: 7.15pm - Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester Rugby; 7.40pm - Bath Rugby v London Irish; 8.10pm - Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs; 8.35pm - Gloucester Rugby v London Irish; 9.05pm - Exeter Chiefs v London Irish; 9.30pm - Bath Rugby v Gloucester Rugby.