ANDY Deacon says he has been getting up at 6.30am for morning runs, in preparation for his big comeback game at Kingsholm next week.

Deacon, who retired from Gloucester in 2003, will be pulling on the cherry & white shirt one final time when he lines up for a President's XV against the Combined Services in a charity match for Help for Heroes on Tuesday November 8 (7.45pm).

Also set to play for the President's XV are Cinderford's Chris McNeil, Dewi Scourfield, Lee Fortey and Rory Teague.

Lydney's Nick Selway is in the squad too, along with the likes of Tom Jarvis, Adam Westall, Rob Fidler, Chris Fortey and former Ireland centre Kevin Maggs.

Deacon has been helping to coach the President's XV, along with Hartpury's director of rugby Allan Lewis.

The match will also mark 100 years of Combination rugby.

A special Gloucester shirt has been produced for the match with a single red poppy on the chest in a silent tribute to our servicemen.

Deacon said: "It's a unique occasion and I would urge people to support it.

"I've been training quite hard – I've certainly never watched Sky News from a treadmill before."

Former Gloucester and England player Phil Vickery, who will be at the game, said: "A game like this fits in with Gloucester's profile as a community-based, caring club – I think it will be a great occasion."

Tickets for non-season ticket holders are £15 for seating and £10 for standing.