Ian Madigan is set to make his first 'competitive' start of the season for Bristol Bears on Saturday when struggling French Top 14 side Stade Francais come to Ashton Gate in the European Challenge Cup.
Madigan last played for the Bears first team in the final game of the Premiership Rugby Cup back in October, in a competition which was used as pre-season by the Bristol.
But the Irish international returns at fly-half as Pat Lam’s men look to continue their 100 percent record in the competition and unbeaten home record this season.
Samoan Alapati Leiua makes his first competitive start of the campaign on the wing after returning from a knee injury as a replacement in the 27-27 draw with London Irish last weekend in the Gallagher Premiership.
The Bears have also confirmed that Tongan star centre Siale Piutau will be sidelined for up to five months following an injury picked up against the Exiles last weekend. The 34-year-old centre is out of contract at Bristol at the end of the season having retired from international rugby after the Rugby World Cup.
Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “We’re in a different competition, but the priority focus is to improve on areas in our game from week to week – that’s a big driver for us.
“We’ve made changes at the half back positions this week, following an excellent discussion and review process after London Irish.
“Callum [Sheedy] and Andy [Uren] are two young players who have been outstanding for us and are key men for the team going forward. They were the first to acknowledge that they fell below their high standards last weekend and have a chance now to work on their game and come back stronger.
“It’s an opportunity for Mads and Harry to step up, as well as Nic on the bench. For us to be the team we strive to be, competition is key to drive high performance and the standards we want.”
Bristol Bears: 15. Charles Piutau; 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Piers O’Conor, 12. Sam Bedlow, 11. Alapati Leiua; 10. Ian Madigan, 9. Harry Randall; 1. Jake Woolmore, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. John Afoa, 4. Dave Attwood, 5. Chris Vui, 6. Steven Luatua (c), 7. Jake Heenan, 8. Nathan Hughes.
Replacements: 16. Will Capon, 17. Jordan Lay, 18. Nicky Thomas, 19. Ed Holmes, 20. Luke Hamilton, 21. Nic Stirzaker, 22. Ioan Lloyd, 23. Toby Fricker.
