Jake Heenan to reach centurion milestone for Bears

Jake Heenan will make his 100th competitive appearance for the club when the Bears take on reigning champions Saracens at the StoneX in round seven of the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday (3pm KO, live on TNT Sports).

The long-serving back row forward starts at blindside in north-west London, with skipper Fitz Harding switching to number eight and Dan Thomas taking the number seven shirt.

Max Malins starts at full-back against his former side, while Rich Lane is named on the wing alongside Gabriel Ibitoye.

Fiji international Kalaveti Ravouvou could make his debut, while 19-year-old Academy player Paddy Pearce is set for his first league appearance for the club, both from the bench.

Bristol Bears team to take on Saracens at the StoneX Stadium on Saturday (3pm KO):

15. Max Malins (20 apps), 14. Gabriel Ibitoye (26 apps), 13. Virimi Vakatawa (6 apps), 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (9 apps), 11. Rich Lane (24 apps), 10. Callum Sheedy (159 apps), 9. Harry Randall (110 apps); 1. Ellis Genge (36 apps), 2. Gabriel Oghre (2 apps), 3. 18. Kyle Sinckler (46 apps), 4. James Dun (21 apps), 5. Joe Batley (48 apps), 6. Jake Heenan (99 apps), 7. Dan Thomas (136 apps), 8. Fitz Harding (59 apps) (c).

System players: 16. Harry Thacker (108 apps), 17. Jake Woolmore (138 apps), 18. George Kloska (36 apps), 19. Josh Caulfield (10 apps), 20. Paddy Pearce (4 apps), 21. Kieran Marmion (10 apps), 22. James Williams (25 apps), 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou (debut).

Unavailable: Will Capon, Yann Thomas, Jay Tyack, Chris Vui, Ed Holmes, Steven Luatua, Santiago Grondona, Magnus Bradbury, AJ MacGinty, Joe Jenkins, Jack Bates, Siva Naulago, Noah Heward.