The trio, who were all part of the British & Irish Lions squad over the summer return to the Blue, Black and White line-up for the trip to the East Midlands.

Watson starts at fullback in an exciting back three, which includes Semesa Rokoduguni and Matt Banahan, who occupy the wing positions.

Meanwhile, Joseph returns to the squad to start at outside centre and will link-up with Max Clark in the midfield. Rhys Priestland and Chris Cook form the half-back pairing at fly-half and scrum-half respectively.

Tom Dunn makes his first start in the Aviva Premiership since February and will be joined in the front row by Beno Obano and Kane Palma-Newport.

Luke Charteris and Elliott Stooke make up a physical second row, whilst Matt Garvey captains the side from blindside flanker. Joining Garvey in the back row are Taulupe Faletau and Francois Louw, who makes his return from injury.

James Phillips, Anthony Perenise and Freddie Burns could make their competitive debuts for Bath Rugby off the replacements bench.

Unavailable for selection: Dave Attwood, Ross Batty, Aled Brew, Nathan Catt, Tom Ellis, Charlie Ewels, Max Lahiff, Shaun Knight, Henry Thomas, Sam Underhill, Jeff Williams.

Bath Rugby team to face Leicester Tigers

15. Anthony Watson

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Jonathan Joseph

12. Max Clark

11. Matt Banahan

10. Rhys Priestland

9. Chris Cook

1. Beno Obano

2. Tom Dunn

3. Kane Palma-Newport

4. Luke Charteris

5. Elliott Stooke

6. Matt Garvey (capt)

7. Francois Louw

8. Taulupe Faletau

Replacements:

16. Jack Walker

17. Nick Auterac

18. Anthony Perenise

19. James Phillips

20. Paul Grant

21. Kahn Fotuali’i

22. Freddie Burns

23. Ben Tapuai

Faletau, Joseph and Watson all start for Bath Rugby against Leicester Tigers

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