Bristol lose England international shortly before Leicester clash

Bristol Bears fullback Max Malins has been forced out of his side's clash with Leicester Tigers at Welford Road today.

The 27-year-old was originally scheduled to start at fullback for the high-flying Bears, but Bristol confirmed his withdrawal with less than two hours to go before taking on the Tigers.

Malins was on the scoresheet last week in Bristol's resounding 85-14 win over Newcastle Falcons, which saw them climb into the top four of the Gallagher Premiership.

The 22-cap England international has been replaced by Rich Lane in the starting line-up, who was originally set to start on the bench. Piers O'Conor has been drafted into the matchday squad to fill Lane's place among the substitutes.

Updated Bristol Bears XV: 15. Rich Lane, 14. Siva Naulago, 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12. James Williams, 11. Gabriel Ibitoye, 10. AJ MacGinty, 9. Harry Randall; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Gabriel Oghre, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. James Dun, 5. Joe Batley, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Fitz Harding (c), 8. Magnus Bradbury.

Replacements: 16. Harry Thacker, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Max Lahiff, 19. Josh Caulfield, 20. Jake Heenan, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. Virimi Vakatawa, 23. Piers O'Conor.