Caulfield back for the Bears

Josh Caulfield returns to action for Bristol Bears’ Gallagher Premiership round 15 clash with Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on Sunday (3pm KO).

The lock is back from suspension to line up in the second row alongside James Dun, with the injured Joe Batley (ribs) dropping out.

Caulfield is one of two changes to the side that beat Gloucester at Kingsholm, with Siva Naulago coming in on the wing in place of Noah Heward, who misses out with a hamstring injury.

Among the replacements, there are returns for Virimi Vakatawa and Rich Lane as the Bears go in search of fifth successive league win.

Bristol Bears team to face Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on Sunday (3pm KO):

15. Max Malins (30 apps), 14. Siva Naulago (31 apps), 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (21 apps), 12. James Williams (38 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (37 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (34 apps), 9. Harry Randall (122 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (40 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (13 apps), 3. Kyle Sinckler (57 apps), 4. James Dun (30 apps), 5. Josh Caulfield (20 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (126 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (c) (68 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (41 apps)

System players: 16. Will Capon (85 apps), 17. Yann Thomas (113 apps), 18. Max Lahiff (83 apps), 19. Joe Owen (13 apps), 20. Jake Heenan (107 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (20 apps), 22. Virimi Vakatawa (15 apps), 23. Rich Lane (33 apps).

Unavailable: Harry Thacker, Joe Batley, Chris Vui, Santiago Grondona, Joe Jenkins, Noah Heward.