Get ready for a thrilling start to the new PREM era, as the highly anticipated clash between Sale Sharks and Gloucester is just around the corner! But here's where it gets exciting: British and Irish Lions star Tomos Williams is making a timely injury return to feature in Gloucester's first game of the year. The Welshman, who was recently named club captain, will take to the pitch for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury during the Lions tour of Australia earlier this year. And this is the part most people miss: his return comes amid a flock of England tourists on both sides of the pitch, with the likes of Joe Carpenter, Tom Roebuck, George Ford, Ben Curry, Charlie and Seb Atkinson, and Arthur Clark all included in their respective 23-man squads. Thursday night's clash at Sale's CorpAcq Stadium will kick-off the new PREM era, with the game being the first of the regular season. Ernst van Rhyn leads Sale Sharks into battle, and their side is again stacked with some serious talent. Newly capped England ace Carpenter starts at full-back, with fellow England star Roebuck and Tom O'Flaherty named on the wings. Rob du Preez slots in next to the promising Rekeiti Ma'asi-White in the centres, with Ford starting alongside Scotland international Gus Warr in the halves. But what's really interesting is how the teams will strategize and utilize their players' unique skills to gain an edge over their opponents. Sam Dugdale starts at number eight, with Ben Curry and new signing Jacques Vermeulen named on the flanks. Ben Bamber and new captain Ernst van Rhyn partner up in the locks, with Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Nathan Jibulu, and Bevan Rodd starting in the front-row. On the other hand, Gloucester's backline is packed with internationals, including Tomos Williams, who will be playing alongside George Skivington. Charlie Atkinson gets the nod at full-back, with new recruit Ben Loader making his debut on the wing. Ollie Thorley joins the pair in the back three as he too starts out wide. Welsh international Max Llewellyn starts alongside England hotshot Seb Atkinson in a strong midfield unit, while Ireland international Ross Byrne slots in at fly-half alongside skipper Williams. Now, let's talk about the pack: Jack Clement, new recruit James Venter, and Welsh international Freddie Thomas form a strong back-row. Matias Alemanno and Clark link-up in the engine room, while Afolabi Fasogbon joins former Exeter Chiefs hooker Jack Innard and Harrison Bellamy in the front-row. Former skipper Lewis Ludlow, Caolan Englefield, and England international Will Joseph are named on the bench, alongside several debutants. The teams are looking fierce, and it's going to be a battle for the ages. Sale Sharks' lineup includes Joe Carpenter, Tom Roebuck, Rob du Preez, Rekeiti Ma'asi-White, Tom O'Flaherty, George Ford, Gus Warr, Sam Dugdale, Ben Curry, Jacques Vermeulen, Ben Bamber, Ernst van Rhyn, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Nathan Jibulu, and Bevan Rodd, with Arron Reed being the pick of the replacements. Gloucester's lineup includes Charlie Atkinson, Ben Loader, Max Llewellyn, Seb Atkinson, Ollie Thorley, Ross Byrne, Tomos Williams, Jack Clement, James Venter, Freddie Thomas, Matias Alemanno, Arthur Clark, Afolabi Fasogbon, Jack Innard, and Harrison Bellamy. The game is set to take place on Thursday, September 25, at the CorpAcq Stadium, with a kick-off time of 19:45 BST. Christophe Ridley will be refereeing the game, with George Selwood and John Meredith as assistant referees, and Peter Allan as the TMO. But here's the question: who do you think will come out on top in this epic clash? Will it be the Sale Sharks, with their star-studded lineup, or will Gloucester's strong backline and pack prove to be too much for them? Let us know in the comments! And don't forget to check out our PREM Rugby predictions, where we've got 'apex predator' Bath backed to 'build a dynasty'.
