Genge returns to action for Bristol Bears

Ellis Genge returns to action for Bristol Bears’ Gallagher Premiership semi-final clash with West Country rivals Bath Rugby at The Recreation Ground on Friday night (7.45pm KO, live on TNT Sports).

The England international, who missed last weekend’s emphatic victory over Harlequins at Ashton Gate, is one of three changes to the pack, with James Dun and centurion Steven Luatua also recalled to the starting XV.

Pat Lam names an unchanged backline for the derby showdown with the league leaders, with another centurion, Harry Randall and AJ MacGinty continuing their half-back partnership and Gabriel Ibitoye and Kalaveti Ravouvou – with 24 Premiership tries between them this season – on the wings.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg is set for his 50^th competitive appearance for the club, partnering James Williams in the midfield.

The Bears head to the Rec looking to make history by booking their place in a maiden Gallagher Premiership final, having appeared in three previous semi-finals in the top-flight.

Bristol Bears team to face Bath Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership semi-final at The Recreation Ground on Friday night (7.45pm KO):

15. Noah Heward (27 apps), 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou (31 apps), 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (49 apps), 12. James Williams (54 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (58 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (52 apps), 9. Harry Randall (145 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (60 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (42 apps), 3. George Kloska (64 apps), 4. James Dun (52 apps), 5. Joe Batley (74 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (152 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (96 apps), 8. Viliame Mata (17 apps).

System players: 16. Harry Thacker (132 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (168 apps), 18. Max Lahiff (110 apps), 19. Pedro Rubiolo (1 app), 20. Santiago Grondona (15 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (51 apps), 22. Harry Byrne (10 apps), 23. Jack Bates (52 apps).

Unavailable: Lovejoy Chawatama, Joe Owen, George Taylor, Harry Rowson, Max Malins, Rich Lane.