Batley back to boost the Bears pack

BRISTOL Bears are set to welcome back a pair of forward enforcers this weekend to aid their bid to fight fire with fire against Bath Rugby's powerful pack.

- JOHN EVELY

The Bears take on their derby rivals at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, needing a win to stay in the play-off fight having lost their last three games on the bounce.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam has confirmed he is hoping to have lock Joe Batley and versatile second row and flanker option James Dun available for the key game.

Batley has played just seven games this season after suffering back-to-back injuries, including a fractured leg and most recently a glute muscle strain.

The 28-year-old forward is looking to string a run of games together not only to try to propel Bristol to their first-ever Premiership final, but also earn a place on the plane to Argentina with England this summer, having impressed the national coaches while in camp with England A in the autumn.