TEAM NEWS Luatua back to lead Bristol Bears tonight

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Created on Friday, 11 February 2022 15:24

Last Updated on Friday, 11 February 2022 16:06

Published on Friday, 11 February 2022 15:24

Written by TOM TAINTON at Ashton Gate

Steven Luatua returns to the Bristol Bears starting line-up as captain when London Irish visit BS3 tonight (1945ko).

The all-action All Black is one of six changes to Pat Lam’s team as Ioan Lloyd and Alapati Leiua are recalled.

In the front row, Yann Thomas and Harry Thacker earn starts, while Sam Jeffries is named at openside flanker.

Bears – who have won four on the bounce in all competitions – include Theo Strang among the replacements and the scrum half could make his first Premiership outing if called upon.

Andy Uren (hamstring) and Harry Randall (international duty) are unavailable.

Bristol Bears starting 15 Henry Purdy (34 apps); 14. Siva Naulago (13 apps), 13. Semi Radradra (29 apps), 12. Piers O’Conor (95 apps), 11. Alapati Leiua (91 apps); 10. Ioan Lloyd (55 apps), 9. Tom Whiteley (6 apps); 1. Yann Thomas (81 apps), 2. Harry Thacker (65 apps), 3. Max Lahiff (37 apps), 4. Chris Vui (81 apps), 5. Joe Joyce (139 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (c) (88 caps), 7. Sam Jeffries (41 apps), 8. Fitz Harding (22 apps).

System players 16. Jake Kerr (13 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (96 apps), 18. Ashley Challenger (2 apps), 19. John Hawkins (30 apps), 20. Jake Heenan (64 apps), 21. Theo Strang (2 apps), 22. Tiff Eden (16 apps), 23. Antoine Frisch (5 apps).

Unavailable: Kyle Sinckler, John Afoa, Harry Randall, Andy Uren, Callum Sheedy, Sam Bedlow, Toby Fricker, Charles Piutau, Luke Morahan.

Chris Vui, who starts at four tonight, has agreed a contract extension to remain at Ashton Gate until at least 2026.

The Samoan international – who joined Bristol in 2017 – has established himself as one of the best lock forwards in the world.

In five seasons, the 28-year-old has racked up 81 appearances, scoring seven tries.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said “Chris is an integral cog in the Bears system on and off the field. He not only brings physicality and leadership as a big man but also an exceptional level of technical ability and tactical understanding to our game.

“To retain Chris’ services, especially when there has been global interest in his signature, is a huge positive for Bristol Bears. He is rightly regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position and we’ve benefitted from his versatility too, playing in the second row and back row.

“Chris was one of my first signings five years ago when our journey began in the Championship. He has played a massive part in our growth as a club and I’m absolutely delighted he will continue to be a critical part in our road to success over the next four years.”

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