Matt Garvey will make his first start for Bath Rugby since January in the West Country Aviva Premiership derby against Gloucester Rugby at the Recreation Ground on Sunday, kick-off 15:00.
One of eight changes to the starting line-up, Garvey comes into the side at blindside flanker following his return to action from the bench against Stade Francais last weekend. International duo Francois Louw and Taulupe Faletau complete the back-row.
Chris Brooker makes his first start for the Club at hooker, with Shaun Knight propping down at tighthead and Nathan Catt continuing on the loosehead side. Elliott Stooke joins Luke Charteris in the second row.
Tom Homer returns to the starting line-up at fullback, with Anthony Watson switching to the wing. The other wing will be occupied by Aled Brew, who made a try-scoring return to action in Bath United’s 34-7 win against Harlequins A two weeks ago.
Max Clark and Ben Tapuai combine in the midfield, as Rhys Priestland co-captains the side from fly-half. The Welsh pivot links up with Kahn Foutali’i in Bath’s final home game of the season.
Unavailable for selection: Nick Auterac, Matt Banahan, Harry Davies, Levi Douglas, Charlie Ewels, Tom Dunn, Rory Jennings, Max Lahiff, Semesa Rokoduguni, Henry Thomas, Michael van Vuuren, Jack Walker, Jeff Williams
Bath Rugby team to face Gloucester Rugby
15. Tom Homer
14. Anthony Watson
13. Max Clark
12. Ben Tapuai
11. Aled Brew
10. Rhys Priestland (co-capt)
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
1. Nathan Catt
2. Chris Brooker
3. Shaun Knight
4. Luke Charteris
5. Elliott Stooke
6. Matt Garvey
7. Francois Louw (co-capt)
8. Taulupe Faletau
Replacements
16. Ross Batty
17. Beno Obano
18. Kane Palma-Newport
19. Dave Attwood
20. Tom Ellis
21. Chris Cook
22. George Ford
23. Robbie Fruean
