Harding returns to skipper the Bears at Sarries

JAKE Heenan will bring up a century of Bristol Bears appearances, while skipper Fitz Harding returns to the side as Pat Lam’s men head to north London to face Saracens in round seven of the Gallagher Premiership this afternoon.

Long-serving Heenan, right, starts on the blindside and Harding at eight, with Dan Thomas completing the back row for the Bears.

England props Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler are in the starting XV, either side of Gabriel Oghre, while James Dun and Joe Batley are at lock.

Callum Sheedy is not required to sit out following his head knock at Bath last week, so he partners Harry Randall at half-back.

Max Malins starts at full-back against his former side, while Rich Lane is named on the wing with Gabriel Ibitoye opposite, while Virimi Vakatawa and Benhard Janse van Rensburg are in midfield.

Owen Farrell skippers Saracens, with England colleagues Elliot Daly and Maro Itoje also included.

Bristol Bears: M Malins; G Ibitoye, V Vakatawa, B Janse van Rensburg, R Lane; C Sheedy, H Randall; E Genge, G Oghre, K Sinckler, J Dun, J Batley, J Heenan, D Thomas, F Harding (capt). Reps: H Thacker, J Woolmore, G Kloska, J Caulfield, P Pearce, K Marmion, J Williams, K Ravouvou.

Taunton Titans undertake their longest trip of the season for their match at Darlington Mowden Park this afternoon.

The second-from-bottom Titans face a Darlington side lying ninth in the 14-team National League One.

Cinderford are down in tenth position in the table despite having lost just two more matches than the teams at the summit. Today they host Sedgley Park.

In National Two West, Old Reds host Hornets in a derby, while Dings go to Exeter University, and Clifton are away to Bournville.