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Bath Rugby announce team for European tie against Brive

Nathan Charles will make his Bath Rugby debut against Brive in the European Rugby Challenge Cup Quarter-Final on Saturday at the Recreation Ground, kick-off 12:45.

The Australian international hooker, who arrived at the Club two weeks ago, will be joined in the front row by Nathan Catt and Kane Palma-Newport.

Anthony Watson lines up at fullback against the French Top 14 side, with Semesa Rokodugni and Tom Homer occupying the wing positions.

After making his return to action last weekend, Matt Banahan moves from the wing to inside centre and will be supported in the midfield by England international Jonathan Joseph.

Co-captain Rhys Priestland also marks his comeback after a few weeks on the sidelines and will be joined by Kahn Fotuali’i in the half-back pairing.

Meanwhile, fellow co-captain Charlie Ewels continues his partnership with Welsh international Luke Charteris in the second row. Fresh from leading England U20 to the Six Nations Grand Slam, Zach Mercer comes in to the starting line-up at blindside flanker, with Tom Ellis and Taulupe Faletau completing the back row trio.

Hooker Joe Graham, recently signed from Rotherham, could make his debut in the Blue, Black and White from the replacements.

Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, said: “We were all disappointed with last weekend’s result, but tomorrow’s game gives us the perfect platform to get back on track and deliver sort of performance we know we’re capable of.

“Unfortunately, we’ve lost Max Lahiff to a hamstring injury, so he’s going to be missing for the rest of the season. Max has been a really important player for us, but it will give Kane a real opportunity to show what he can bring to the team in the run in."

Unavailable for selection: Dave Attwood, Nick Auterac, Ross Batty, Aled Brew, Harry Davies, Tom Dunn, George Ford, Robbie Fruean, Matt Garvey, Rory Jennings, Max Lahiff, Francois Louw, Henry Thomas, Michael van Vuuren, Jack Walker, Jeff Williams

Bath Rugby team to face Brive

15. Anthony Watson

14. Semesa Rokoduguni

13. Jonathan Joseph

12. Matt Banahan

11. Tom Homer

10. Rhys Priestland (co-capt)

9. Kahn Fotuali’i

1. Nathan Catt

2. Nathan Charles

3. Kane Palma-Newport

4. Charlie Ewels (co-capt)