The Gallagher PREM Rugby playoff race continues Friday with a massive West Country derby as Bristol Bears host Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate. With just two rounds remaining in the regular season, both sides enter the matchup with major stakes attached to the result.
Bristol remain in must-win territory after a bruising defeat to Northampton Saints saw them concede 94 points in their last outing.
The Bears still have a path to the playoffs, but another loss would severely damage their hopes. Pat Lam’s side receives a major boost with USA Eagle AJ MacGinty returning from injury at fly-half following his contract extension earlier this week, while Louis Rees-Zammit and Kalaveti Ravouvou headline a dangerous back three.
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Bath arrive with momentum after ending a two-match PREM losing streak against Newcastle Red Bulls and are now targeting a home playoff tie. A favorable set of results this weekend could secure that objective.
With Finn Russell unavailable, Ciaran Donoghue earns another opportunity at fly-half, while the visitors continue to lean on one of the league’s most balanced and explosive squads.
Bristol’s forward power remains a defining strength, leading the PREM in both mauls won and maul penalties earned this season. Fitz Harding also leads the league in turnovers won, while Ravouvou has surpassed 1,000 metres gained. Bath counter with the league’s most dangerous attack inside the opposition 22, while Henry Arundell’s 12 tries and league-best metres per carry continue to make him one of the competition’s premier finishers.
Bristol Bears vs. Bath Rugby Kickoff Time, Lineups
Bristol Bears host Bath Rugby at 2:45 p.m. ET on Friday, with Karl Dickson appointed as referee. The match is part of the Gallagher PREM Rugby schedule.
How To Watch Bristol Bears vs. Bath Rugby
The match will be broadcast live on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States
Bristol Bears Lineup vs. Bath Rugby
- Noah Heward
- Louis Rees-Zammit
- Matias Moroni
- Benhard Janse van Rensburg
- Kalaveti Ravouvou
- AJ MacGinty
- Harry Randall
- Ellis Genge
- Harry Thacker
- George Kloska
- James Dun
- Joe Batley
- Joe Owen
- Fitz Harding (c)
- Santiago Grondona
Replacements:
- Tomas Gwilliam
- Jake Woolmore
- Max Lahiff
- Jimmy Halliwell
- George Taylor
- Kieran Marmion
- Tom Jordan
- Jack Bates
Bath Rugby Lineup vs. Bristol Bears
- Santi Carreras
- Joe Cokanasiga
- Ollie Lawrence
- Max Ojomoh
- Henry Arundell
- Ciaran Donoghue
- Ben Spencer
- Beno Obano
- Kepueli Tuipulotu
- Thomas du Toit
- Ted Hill
- Charlie Ewels
- Ethan Staddon
- Guy Pepper
- Sam Underhill
Replacements:
- Dan Frost
- Francois van Wyk
- Vilikesa Sela
- Ewan Richards
- Josh Bayliss
- Tom Carr-Smith
- Cameron Redpath
- Alfie Barbeary
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