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Author: Roger Jackson, Posted: Tuesday, 24th September 2019, 12:20
Nathan Hughes will make his competitive debut when Bristol Bears face Gloucester in the West Country derby on Friday (7.45pm KO).
The England international is one of 15 changes from the side that went down to Harlequins last weekend in the opening round of the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Will Hurrell is set for his first outing since February having recovered from a shoulder injury, while homegrown academy winger Charlie Powell is also included in the backline.
Steven Luatua captains the side and John Hawkins makes his first appearance since an elbow injury in February.
Director of rugby Pat Lam said: “This game is an opportunity for the next group of guys to lay down a marker as we continue to prepare for the Bath game, following some good individual performances last week.
“It’s great to be back at Ashton Gate in front of our home supporters after a long time away. There’s a lot of guys back from injury or making their first appearances who will be eager to make an impression.”
Max Lahiff is listed among the replacements and could make his first outing at Ashton Gate for the Bears, while academy winger Jack Bates is also included in the 23-man squad.
Gloucester lost their opening Premiership Rugby Cup game to London Irish, going down 49-29 at Kingsholm. Lloyd Evans scored 12 of Gloucester’s points with a try, two conversions and a penalty.
Bristol Bears: 15. Luke Daniels; 14. Ryan Edwards, 13. Piers O’Conor, 12. Will Hurrell, 11. Charlie Powell; 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Andy Uren; 1. Jake Woolmore, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. John Afoa, 4. John Hawkins, 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Steven Luatua (c), 7. Dan Thomas, 8. Nathan Hughes. Replacements: 16. George Kloska, 17. Max Lahiff, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Ed Holmes, 20. Jake Heenan, 21. Nic Stirzaker, 22. Sam Bedlow, 23. Jack Bates.
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