Prem Rugby: The Big Preview

Enjoy insights into the Premiership Rugby 2026/27 season, with an expert panel of OC rugby professionals across the men’s and women’s game and MC Alastair Eykyn, one of the UK’s leading sports broadcasters.

In aid of The 4ED Foundation
Proceeds from the night will go to 4ED.
Visit the Cheltenham Society website to see the fantastic raffle prizes.

Tickets: £10 each
including a welcome drink of Dunkerton's cider (non-alcoholic available)

To book or find out more, click here.

Wednesday 9th September | 6:30pm to 8:30pm

MC and panel of OC rugby professionals

Our MC, Alastair Eykyn (past parent), will lead the evening's discussions. Alastair is a broadcaster who has been calling English rugby’s biggest matches for three decades, including countless Premiership finals at Twickenham. He describes his job as, 'having my nose to the ground for all the interesting rugby stories.'

We are delighted to have a panel of four professional Gloucester/international players (three of whome are OCs):

Lewis Ludlow - Gloucester - Gloucester Rugby’s captain Lewis Ludlow leads from the front and epitomises everything Cherry and White. The Club Captain is creeping up on 260 appearances for Gloucester Rugby, after making his debut in 2015. In summer 2021, his efforts were rewarded with international honours and Ludlow became just the fifth player to captain England on debut when he led Eddie Jones’ side to victory over the USA.

Ollie Thorley (BH, 2015) - Gloucester - Thorley became the club's youngest first team try scorer, when he crossed against Ospreys in March 2015 in the LV Cup and he marked his debut in the Premiership with the game's only try against the Exeter Chiefs in April 2016. With pace and an ability to run through defenders, Thorley won his first England cap against Italy in the 2020 Six Nations.

Nikita Prothero (CL, 2021) - Wales - Nikita gained caps for England U18s and U20s and then began her premiership career with Loughborough Lightning whilst at uni, competing in BUCS super league, GB7s, England 7s and gaining some Premiership appearances. She moved to Sale Sharks, picking up 40 caps and now plays for Wales, featuring in the 2026 Women’s 6 Nations where she was was capped against Italy and Ireland.

Seb Blake (BH, 2020) - Gloucester - Hooker Seb Blake joined the Senior Academy having been a stand-out performer during age-grade rugby, also playing a part in the highly regarded Cheltenham XV side. Seb had been a member of the junior academy, taking a break to recover from injury as an U15, before showing true resilience and character to join back up with the academy as an U16 after impressive performances for his school. With footwork, strong carry skills and an ability to offload, Blake has all the skills required of a modern hooker.