Marco Bortolami will partner Will James in the second row after getting the nod over Alex Brown, while Alasdair Strokosch comes in on the openside flank.

“Any Gloucester-Leicester fixture is massive, no matter what stage of the season it comes in,” said Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan.

“It’s a great opportunity for both sides and it will be a great way to start the season.

“Leicester are very physical and hugely abrasive at the tackle situation so preservation of the ball will be key. It should be a fantastic contest.”

Former Tigers prop Dave Young is named among the replacements after leaving Welford Road at the end of last season.

Gloucester (versus Leicester Tigers, Kingsholm, Sunday 4pm)
15 Olly Morgan
14 James Simpson-Daniel
13 Mike Tindall (c)
12 Anthony Allen
11 Lesley Vainikolo
10 Ryan Lamb
9 Rory Lawson
1 Nick Wood
2 Andy Titterrell
3 Carlos Nieto
4 Will James
5 Marco Bortolami
6 Peter Buxton
7 Alasdair Strokosch
8 Luke Narraway

Replacements
16 Olivier Azam
17 Dave Young
18 Alex Brown
19 Andy Hazell
20 Gareth Cooper
21 Willie Walker
22 Matthew Watkins