Luatua returns, Malins at flyhalf for the Bears

Steven Luatua returns to the starting line-up for Bristol Bears to face second-placed Exeter Chiefs in a mouthwatering encounter on Friday evening (7.45pm KO).

The skipper is one of seven changes to Pat Lam’s side, who sit twelve points clear at the top of the Premiership.

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Charles Piutau comes in at full back, while Sam Bedlow also returns to the backline. Last weekend’s man of the match, Max Malins, switches to fly half with Callum Sheedy unavailable.

In the pack, Bryan Byrne and Kyle Sinckler are named in the front row, while Dave Attwood and Dan Thomas also earn starts for the Ashton Gate clash.

Bears include two current Academy players and two graduates among the replacements, as Harding, Lloyd, Capon and Joyce are all listed in the 23-man squad.

Bristol Bears team to face Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on Friday, April 23^rd (7.45pm KO):

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

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 22, 2021

Unavailable: Harry Thacker, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, James Dun, Ben Earl, Nathan Hughes, Harry Randall, Chris Cook, Callum Sheedy, Semi Radradra, Henry Purdy.

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