The 33-year-old, who did not feature in England's RBS 6 Nations plans this year for the first time since 2005, announced his departure from Gloucester in April but an amazing u-turn earlier this month has seen Tindall reinstated as player/backs coach at Kingsholm on a one-year deal.

Tindall is part of a star-studded cast-list for Gloucester in Thursday’s J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series that will also include Jonny May – who has been named as skipper – as well as first team regulars Freddie Burns and Henry Trinder.

There will also be a first opportunity to see new Gloucester signings Huia Edmonds and Shane Monahan, while the Cherry & White's academy continues its recent good work with the likes of Ian Clark, Gareth Evans, Rob Langley and Dan Robson all featuring.

With rugby 7s now on the Olympic roster for the Rio 2016 Games – the annual Premiership 7s competition has seen a steep growth in the number of star names now-featuring in the traditional season opener.

Two years ago England’s premier fly-half Owen Farrell appeared for Saracens as they won the inaugural competition, while already this term England internationals Topsy Ojo and Shane Geraghty have appeared for London Irish.

Gloucester will battle it out with Bath, Exeter and Worcester on Thursday night – with the top two teams progressing to finals night at Bath on August 3, where they will face already qualified Saracens, London Irish, London Welsh and Sale.

Tindall’s appearance on Thursday will spark speculation he is set to be a bit more than a bit-part player at Gloucester this season, with talk of his retirement – a common subject just a month ago – diminished once and for all.

To book tickets for the J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s this Thursday, 26 July at Kingsholm, Gloucester to see Bath Rugby, Gloucester Rugby, Exeter Chiefs and Worcester Warriors battle for the last two places in the Series Final, call 0871 871 8781 (option 2) or visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk