Bristol Bears Face Exeter Chiefs in PRC Round 5 Showdown
The Bristol Bears are poised for a thrilling encounter as they face the Exeter Chiefs in the PREM Rugby Cup. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 2 PM at Ashton Gate. A notable aspect of this game is the inclusion of nine Academy players in the Bears’ matchday squad.
Bristol Bears Squad for Exeter Chiefs Match
Starting for the Bears are Sam Worsley, Jimmy Halliwell, Louie Trevett, and George Taylor. They will be complemented by a strong selection of replacements which includes Tomas Gwilliam, Sam Scott, Ethan Surrey, John Edwards, and Ollie Harris.
Key Players to Watch
- Max Pepper: Starting at scrum half.
- James Williams: Returning to the midfield alongside Benjamin Elizalde.
- Gabriel Ibitoye and Rich Lane: Making comebacks from injury in the backline.
In the forward pack, Luka Ivanishvili is currently representing Georgia in Rugby Europe, leading to Steele Barker’s promotion to the second row alongside James Dun. Joe Owen will also transition into the back row for the game.
Return of Joe Jenkins
A standout moment for the Bears will be the long-awaited return of homegrown center Joe Jenkins. He has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Saracens in October.
Full Bristol Bears Lineup
The complete squad for the Bears facing Exeter Chiefs is as follows:
- 15. Rich Lane (63 apps)
- 14. Jack Bates (60 apps)
- 13. Benjamin Elizalde (24 apps)
- 12. James Williams (66 apps)
- 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (63 apps)
- 10. Sam Worsley (32 apps)
- 9. Max Pepper (6 apps)
- 1. Louie Trevett (7 apps)
- 2. Harry Thacker (150 apps)
- 3. Jimmy Halliwell (22 apps)
- 4. James Dun (58 apps)
- 5. Steele Barker (8 apps)
- 6. Joe Owen (53 apps)
- 7. George Taylor (8 apps)
- 8. Benjamin Grondona (33 apps)
Replacement Players
- 16. Tomas Gwilliam (11 apps)
- 17. Sam Grahamslaw (7 apps)
- 18. Sam Scott (1 app)
- 19. Ethan Surrey (5 apps)
- 20. John Edwards (2 apps)
- 21. Sam Wolstenholme (17 apps)
- 22. Joe Jenkins (30 apps)
- 23. Ollie Harris (2 apps)
Unavailable Players
The Bears will be without several notable players, including:
- Will Capon
- Ellis Genge
- Jake Woolmore
- Max Lahiff
- Lovejoy Chawatama
- George Kloska
- Joe Batley
- Paddy Pearce
- Kenzie Jenkins
- Steven Luatua
- Kofi Cripps
- Fitz Harding
- Harry Randall
- AJ MacGinty
- Tom Jordan
- Toby Baker
- Aidan Boshoff
- Josh Carrington
- Noah Heward
- Louis Rees-Zammit
This upcoming derby promises to be exciting as the Bristol Bears take on Exeter Chiefs, showcasing young talent and experienced players alike. Fans are encouraged to support the team during this crucial match in the PREM Rugby Cup.
