NICK WOOD, the most experienced player in the Cherry and Whites squad, will captain Gloucester against the Barbarians tonight (Tuesday).

There is a one-off return for an old favourite and a first start for Joe Latta.

Wood will lead into action a youthful looking side, selection heavily influenced by the fact that Gloucester have a European Rugby Challenge Cup fixture in La Rochelle on Thursday evening,which will be stretching the squad to the maximum.

The backline features a number of teenagers in Mat Protheroe, Harry Robinson, Olly Thorley and Lloyd Evans. Thorley's former Stow RFC team-mate Elliott Stooke gets a rare run out on the blindside flank.

One wise old head in the back line is former Gloucester and current Moseley centre, Tim Molenaar. The 34-year-old played 73 times for the Cherry and Whites between 2009 and 2013 and will no doubt receive a warm welcome on his return to Kingsholm.

Joe Latta, just arrived from New Zealand, makes his first start at lock.

Kick off is at 7:45pm and tickets are still available from gloucesterrugby.co.uk or on 0871 871 8781.