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Rhys Webb to start for Bath this weekend

By Online Editors
Getty Images

Bath Rugby have thrown new signing Rhys Webb straight into the starting XV for the West Country derby against Bristol Bears on Sunday afternoon.

Webb left Toulon mid-season under a cloud and is set to return to the Ospreys in 2020/21 season, but in the mean-time has taken up a short-term contract with the Premiership club.

The Blue, Black and White are also boosted by the return of Taulupe Faletau, Will Stuart and Beno Obano from international camps ahead of the weekend's clash.

Both sides come into the match off the back of three straight Gallagher Premiership wins, with Bath Rugby looking to overturn the result from their early season meeting.

Will Stuart returns from England duty to replace Christian Judge at tighthead while Mike Williams comes back into the starting line-up for Tom Ellis, who moves to the bench.

Faletau comes in for Zach Mercer at No.8 to make up the pack. Beno Obano is the other notable change to the bench, returning to the squad from England camp.

BATH RUGBY SIDE TO FACE BRISTOL BEARS:

15. Tom Homer

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Jackson Willison

12. Josh Matavesi

11. Ruaridh McConnochie

10. Rhys Priestland

9. Rhys Webb

1. Lewis Boyce

2. Jack Walker

3. Will Stuart

4. Josh McNally

5. Elliott Stooke

6. Mike Williams

7. Francois Louw (C)

8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements

16. Tom Doughty, 17. Beno Obano, 18. Christian Judge, 19. Tom Ellis, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Chris Cook, 22. Freddie Burns, 23. Max Wright

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