Noah Heward makes his long-awaited return from injury while Argentina international Pedro Rubiolo makes his Bristol Bears debut in Saturday’s Round 18 Gallagher Premiership clash with Harlequins at Ashton Gate (3.05pm KO, live on TNT Sports).
Pat Lam’s side know victory will secure their place in Play-Offs, as the Bears Director of Rugby selects the returning Heward – who hasn’t featured since January – at full back in the absence of the injured Rich Lane.
Pumas lock Rubiolo, who joined the club on loan from Newcastle Falcons in December to complete his injury rehabilitation ahead of a permanent switch in the summer, makes his first appearance in the league since November, with James Dun ruled out.
Prop Yann Thomas, who announced his retirement from the game at the end of this season earlier this week, starts at loosehead in his final appearance at Ashton Gate, alongside Gabriel Oghre and fellow Bristolian George Kloska.
Fitz Harding captains the side from the openside flank, with Santiago Grondona and Viliame Mata completing the back row. Among the replacements, there’s a return for Steven Luatua, Harry Thacker and Jack Bates.
Bristol Bears team to face Harlequins at Ashton Gate in round 18 of the Gallagher Premiership (3.05pm KO):
15. Noah Heward (25 apps), 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou (29 apps), 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (47 apps), 12. James Williams (52 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (56 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (50 apps), 9. Harry Randall (143 apps); 1. Yann Thomas (129 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (40 apps), 3. George Kloska (62 apps), 4. Pedro Rubiolo (0 apps), 5. Joe Batley (72 apps), 6. Santiago Grondona (13 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (94 apps), 8. Viliame Mata (15 apps).
System players: 16. Harry Thacker (130 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (167 apps), 18. Max Lahiff (108 apps), 19. Joe Owen (33 apps), 20. Steven Luatua (151 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (49 apps), 22. Harry Byrne (9 apps), 23. Jack Bates (50 apps).
Unavailable: Ellis Genge, Lovejoy Chawatama, James Dun, George Taylor, Harry Rowson, Max Malins, Rich Lane.
