Jack Nowell starts for Exeter's trip to Ashton Gate

Rob Baxter has handed Jack Nowell his first start for Exeter Chiefs since the Premiership final in October. 

Nowell made his first appearance of the season last weekend in the 43-13 victory over Wasps coming off the bench in the final 20 minutes. His inclusion in the starting XV to face the Bristol Bears in one of a number of changes.

Up front, Ben Moon and Tomas Francis come into the front row in place of Alec Hepburn and Harry Williams; Jonny Gray is restored to the second-row and with Dave Ewers sidelined with a calf injury, Sam Skinner drops into the back-row to replace the powerful Zimbabwean.

Nowell's inclusion, in place of Facundo Cordero, is the sole change to the starting XV while Richard Capstick comes into the match-day 23, as does returning Irish international Ian Whitten.

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EXETER CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE BRISTOL BEARS

🐻 Steven Luatua returns as skipper
🔶Jack Nowell starts for the first time this season#GallagherPrem #BRIvEXE

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 22, 2021