Reneeqa Bonner returns from GB Sevens duty for Bristol Bears PWR round 11 clash with Saracens at the StoneX Stadium (2pm KO).
The Bristolian flyer, who made her World Sevens Series bow in Dubai earlier this month, starts on the wing in Saturday’s blockbuster showdown, joining the league’s leading try scorer, Millie David and fellow sevens star Jasmine Joyce-Butchers in a dynamite back three.
With Jenna De Vera (ACL) and Amber Reed (syndesmosis) joining Emma Orr (ankle) on the long-term injury list, Courtney Keight starts in the midfield alongside Red Roses centre Phoebe Murray, while World XV fly-half Holly Aitchison continues in the number ten shirt.
Elsewhere, Dave Ward makes two changes to the pack for the rerun of last season’s semi-final, as the Bears target a fifth successive league win, with Hannah Botterman and Delaney Burns coming into the starting XV.
Ward said: “We’ve started to build some good momentum but there’s better way to test where we are than against Saracens.
“We’ve obviously had some injury setbacks, but we have to adapt and put our best foot forward this weekend.
“It’s great to welcome Reneeqa back from sevens duty – she’ll have learned so much during her two weeks away but we’re excited to have her back in a Bears shirt.”
Bristol Bears team to face Saracens at StoneX Stadium on Saturday (2pm KO):
15. Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, 14. Reneeqa Bonner, 13. Courtney Keight (vc), 12. Phoebe Murray, 11. Millie David, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Lucy Burgess; 1. Hannah Botterman, 2. Lark Atkin-Davies, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Delaney Burns, 5. Abbie Ward (cc), 6. Alisha Joyce-Butchers, 7. Evie Gallagher, 8. Row Marston-Mulhearn.
Replacements: 16. Jess Sprague, 17. Simi Pam, 18. Holly Phillips, 19. Hollie Cunningham, 20. Gabriella Nigrelli, 21. Tilly Ryall, 22. Amy Coles, 23. Ella Lovibond.
