Team News: Bristol Bears vs Argentina XV
Noah Heward returns from injury as Bristol Bears face Argentina XV in an exhibition match at Ashton Gate on Friday night (7:45pm KO). The full-back recovered from an Achilles injury sustained during pre-season and starts in the back three against the young Pumas in BS3.
Squad Selection and Academy Presence
Pat Lam includes 12 Academy players in the matchday squad, with eight starting. Three players from last season’s U18 side—Victor Worsnip, Evan Morris, and Ollie Harris—are in the starting lineup.
- Aidan Boshoff and Evan Morris start on the wings.
- In midfield, Worsnip partners Jack Bates, who made his senior debut last week in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
- Mat Protheroe shifts to fly-half, with captain Sam Wolstenholme at scrum-half.
- In the pack, Bristol-born Academy player Paddy Pearce starts at number eight.
- Academy hooker Tomas Gwilliam also starts the game.
Bench and Debuts
The bench features seven Academy players, including Ollie Harris (back three) and John Edwards (back row), both set for their senior debuts. Will Ramply makes his first appearance of the season from the bench.
"Noah Heward makes his return from injury when Bristol Bears take on Argentina XV in an exhibition clash at Ashton Gate on Friday night (7.45pm KO)."
The match highlights Bristol’s commitment to developing young talent, with significant Academy representation in both the starting XV and replacements.
Author's summary: Noah Heward returns as Bristol Bears deploy a youthful side with strong academy influence in their exhibition match against Argentina XV at Ashton Gate.