London Irish Team News: Gearing up for Bristol Bears

Declan Kidney has named the side that will welcome Bristol Bears to the Gtech Community Stadium for Round 15 of the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

Will Goodrick-Clarke, Mike Willemse and Lovejoy Chawatama form the front row, with Chunya Munga and Rob Simmons in the second row. Simmons is set to captain the side from the five jersey.

Josh Basham, Tom Pearson, and Matt Rogerson combine as the back row trio.

Ben White and Paddy Jackson are the halfback duo, and Benhard van Rensburg links up with Luca Morisi in the centres.

Ollie Hassell-Collins and Lucio Cinti are confirmed on the wings and Ben Loader returns to wear the 15 shirt.

“Bristol Bears are a good side who keep possession well, so we know we will have to be on our toes for the whole 80 minutes,” said Declan Kidney.

“If you look at the average points scored in our last few encounters, Sunday has all the makings of a good game of rugby.

“We are excited to be back at home for the second time this week and want to put in a performance that our supporters are proud of.”

London Irish:
15 Ben Loader, 14 Lucio Cinti, 13 Luca Morisi, 12 Benhard van Rensburg, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ben White, 1 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 2 Mike Willemse, 3 Lovejoy Chawatama, 4 Chunya Munga, 5 Rob Simmons (c), 6 Josh Basham, 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Matt Rogerson.

Replacements:
16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Oliver Hoskins, 19 Api Ratuniyarawa, 20 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 21 Chandler Cunningham-South, 22 Joe Powell, 23 Rory Jennings.