Familiar faces and new names in Team Bath starting XV for BUCS Super Rugby derby day opener at Exeter University

The first Team Bath men’s starting XV for the 2019-20 BUCS Super Rugby season has been named ahead of this afternoon’s big South West derby at Exeter University (2pm).

Paul Altier, who was instrumental in Hong Kong’s success at the Asia Rugby Championship this summer, starts at full-back while compatriot Alex Nisbet partners Miles Gilbert at centre.

Liam McStay and Cal Barrett start on the wings and co-captain Ed Rimmer is joined by Benn Morris in the half-back pairing.

Bristol Bears Academy player Tom Rowlands lines up alongside Jordi den Hartog and Will French in the front row, while PhD student Edoardo Balocco – no stranger to BUCS Super Rugby from his time with Cardiff Met – joins co-captain Jordan Martin in a powerful second row.

Chris Barry starts his fourth season in BUCS Super Rugby at openside flanker, partnered in the back row by second years Cameron Keys and Ed Ashcroft.

The Blue & Gold are sponsored by Fulkers Bailey Russell.

Don’t forget, free tickets are available now for the eagerly-awaited Anniversary Game at The Rec, home of Bath Rugby, on Wednesday, October 16 (6.30pm). Click here to register and for more information.

Team Bath starting XV v Exeter: 15 Paul Altier, 14 Liam McStay, 13 Alex Nisbet, 12 Miles Gilbert, 11 Cal Barrett, 10 Benn Morris, 9 Ed Rimmer (cc); 1 Tom Rowlands, 2 Jordi Den Hartog, 3 Will French, 4 Jordan Martin (cc), 5 Edoardo Balocco, 6 Cameron Keys, 7 Chris Barry, 8 Ed Ashcroft.

Replacements: 16 Tom Wishart, 17 Alex Curtis, 18 Rory Mead, 19 Jack Kenningham, 20 John Smith, 21 Jacob Tansey, 22 Tom Pitman, 23 Luca Mignot.