Northampton Saints v Bristol Bears: Full team news for Sunday's game at Franklin's Gardens

Nick Isiekwe and Matt Proctor will return from injury when Saints host Gallagher Premiership table-toppers Bristol Bears on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
Nick IsiekweNick Isiekwe
Nick Isiekwe

Isiekwe has overcome concussion and starts at six, while Proctor is back on the wing after recovering from a calf problem.

There are six changes in all for Saints, with Proctor replacing Ollie Sleightholme and Isiekwe in for Lewis Ludlam, who is dealing with concussion.

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Rory Hutchinson returns at inside centre, with Piers Francis dropping to the bench.

Sam Matavesi, Paul Hill and Api Ratuniyarawa are all recalled, in place of Reece Marshall, Ehren Painter and Alex Moon.

Shaun Adendorff (knee), Owen Franks (foot), Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (Achilles), Courtney Lawes (pectoral), Ludlam (concussion) and Kayde Sylvester (Achilles) are on the injured list.

Dan Biggar, Alex Mitchell and David Ribbans remain on international duty but will return to Saints next week.

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Saints: Furbank; Proctor, Dingwall, Hutchinson, Freeman; Grayson, James; Waller (c), Matavesi, Hill; Coles, Ratuniyarawa; Isiekwe, Wood, Harrison.

Replacements: Haywood, Auterac, Painter, Moon, Tonks, Taylor, Francis, Mallinder.

Bristol Bears: Purdy; Adeolokun, O'Conor, Leiua, Naulago; Eden, Uren; Thomas, Byrne, Afoa; Joyce, Vui; Luatua (c), Thomas, Hughes.

Replacements: Capon, Woolmore, Lahiff, Holmes, Heenan, Kessell, Bedlow, Morahan.