Bath host Bears for Valentine's Day

In Round 8 of the PREM Rugby Cup, Bristol Bears make the short trip down the M4 to spend Valentine’s Day with the Blue, Black and White.

Bath Rugby will run out in front of a sold-out Rec crowd looking to make the most of the home advantage.

Johann van Graan has named his side seeing Scott Kirk, Dan Frost and Kieran Verden remain in the front row, with Frost fresh from his hat-trick of tries last weekend.

Will Jeanes is joined by Ewan Richards in the second row, who makes a welcome return after a spell on the sidelines.

Ethan Staddon, Thompson Cowan and Arthur Green remain in the back row looking to build on last week’s momentum.

Bath’s half-back pairing of Bernard van der Linde and the University of Bath’s Will Roue remain in tandem at 9 and 10.

In the midfield, Will Butt captains from inside centre, joined by Max Ojomoh at 13.

Will Muir, Charlie Griffin and Austin Emens bring their pace and finishing ability to complete the starting XV.  

Providing their impact from the bench, Ioan Emanuel, Kepu Tuipulotu and Mikey Summerfield are named as replacement front row.

Jack Bennett and George Timmins complete the forwards, with Ieuan Davies, James Linegar and Chris Harris named as replacement backs.

The game kicks off on Saturday 14 February at 14:30.

TEAM

Bath Rugby: 1 Scott Kirk, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Will Jeanes, 5 Ewan Richards, 6 Ethan Staddon, 7 Thompson Cowan, 8 Arthur Green, 9 Bernard van der Linde, 10 Will Roue, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Charlie Griffin, 15 Austin Emens

 Replacements: 16 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 17 Ioan Emanuel, 18 Mikey Summerfield, 19 Jack Bennett, 20 George Timmins, 21 Ieuan Davies, 22 James Linegar, 23 Chris Harris