Having won the European Challenge Cup just under two months again, Bristol Bears are now back in the Heineken Champions Cup after a 12-year absence from the top flight competition.
Pat Lam's side open their campaign with a stunning tie at Ashton Gate against French European rugby royalty in ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Sadly, with Bristol still in Tier 3 of the UK government's Covid-19 lockdown, there will be no fans at Ashton Gate but the game is being shown live on TV. Here is all the information you need to follow the action.
What time is kick-off?
The game at Ashton Gate kicks off at 1pm on Saturday, December 12.
Is the game on TV?
Yes - all this season’s European Heineken Champions Cup games are being shown live on BT Sport once again.
Today’s game is being shown on BT Sport 2 with coverage starting at 12.30pm
The even better news is today’s Bristol game is also being shown for free on Channel 4 with coverage against starting at 12.30pm.
How else can I follow the game?
If you can’t watch the game live on TV you can follow all the action on our live blog on Bristol Live.
BBC Radio Bristol will also be providing live commentary from the game.
What’s the team news?
Bristol Bears: 15. Max Malins, 14. Alapati Leiua, 13. Piers O'Conor, 12. Siale Piutau (c), 11. Henry Purdy, 10. Callum Sheedy, 9. Harry Randall, 1. Jake Woolmore, 2. Bryan Byrne, 3. John Afoa, 4. Ed Holmes, 5. Joe Joyce, 6. Ben Earl, 7. Daniel Thomas, 8. Nathan Hughes.
Replacements: 16. Will Capon, 17. Yann Thomas, 18. Kyle Sinckler, 19. Dave Attwood, 20. Jake Heenan, 21. Andy Uren, 22. Ioan Lloyd, 23. Niyi Adeolokun,
ASM Clermont Auvergne: 15. Kotaro Matsushima, 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Apisai Naqalevu, 12. George Moala, 11. Alivereti Raka, 10. Camille Lopez (c), 9. Morgan Parra, 1. Etienne Falgoux, 2. Adrien Pélissié, 3. Rabah Slimani, 4. Sitaleki Timani, 5. Sébastien Vahaamahina, 6. Judicaël Cancoriet, 7. Peceli Yato, 8. Fritz Lee.
Replacements: 16. Etienne Fourcade, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Sipili Falatea, 19. Paul Jedrasiak, 20. Tavite Veredamu, 21. Sébastien Bézy, 22. Cheik Tiberghien, 23. Tani Vili,
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Craig Maxwell-Keys (England), Paul Dix (England)
TMO: Trevor Fisher (England)
What are the odds?
Bristol Bears 1/1
Draw 20/1
ASM Clermont Auvergne 8/11
