Team news: Bristol Rugby vs Richmond

• Lam makes eleven changes for Round Three clash
• Two competitive debuts, as Alapati Leuia and Joe Batley start
• Five internationals in starting line-up
• Seven aged 24 or under in starting line-up

Head Coach Pat Lam shuffles his pack for the Ashton Gate clash, making eleven changes from the side that overcame Cornish Pirates last weekend.

New arrivals Alapati Leiua and Joe Batley are set for their competitive debuts, while Bristol hand also first competitive starts to Mat Protheroe and Nicky Thomas.

In the backline, Ryan Edwards, Jack Tovey and Billy Searle are included for their first starts of the campaign, while Jack O’Connell, Max Crumpton and Olly Robinson are named in the pack.

Jordan Crane captains the side from no. 8 and Alex Giltrow – who signed professional terms this week – could make his Championship debut from the bench.

“We’re excited to be back at Ashton Gate on Sunday in front of our home supporters, who have been fantastic so far this season,” said Lam.

“We know that we have to be ruthless and retain a high level of intensity for the full eighty minutes.”

Bristol Rugby team to face Richmond on Sunday, 17 September at Ashton Gate (2pm KO):

15. Mat Protheroe; 14. Ryan Edwards, 13. Jack Tovey, 12. Alapati Leiua, 11. David Lemi; 10. Billy Searle, 9. Rhodri Williams; 1. Jack O’Connell, 2. Max Crumpton, 3. Nicky Thomas, 4. Joe Batley, 5. Sam Jeffries, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Olly Robinson, 8. Jordan Crane (c).

Replacements: 16. Jason Harris-Wright, 17. Soane Tonga’uiha, 18. Alex Giltrow, 19. Dan Thomas, 20. Ryan Glynn, 21. Ian Madigan, 22. Luke Morahan.