'He's massive for us, a brilliant player', Bristol receive Ibitoye boost

Bristol boss Pat Lam is delighted to have Gabriel Ibitoye back as the winger prepares to make his first appearance of the year in Sunday’s game against Leicester at Ashton Gate.

A combination of hamstring and calf injuries have prevented the England hopeful from playing since the Bears were routed 38-0 at home to Sale on December 27th.

However, Ibitoye, who was named Premiership Player of the Month for October, has come through training without any issues and will take his place in a rejigged back three, which features Rich Lane at full-back and Jack Bates on the right wing.

“You don’t realise how much he brings until he’s actually gone,” said Lam.

“He’s massive for us, a brilliant player. I don’t believe there are a lot of players in the country like him, with his ability to make things happen. His work rate is huge, and he is buzzing to be back. It’s been a long time.”

Ibitoye’s return results in the equally dangerous Kalaveti Ravouvou switching to outside centre to partner Benhard Janse van Rensburg, while fly-half AJ MacGinty makes his first start since the return fixture at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in December – a 54-24 win for the Bears.

The USA international returned off the bench against Gloucester in Round 13, as the Bears fell to a 53-28 defeat, and Lam is delighted to have him back running the show.

“He’s a big part of our game. When he came on, we didn’t concede any more points. He’s a big player in attack and defence – he loves defence and attack. I’ve been involved with him for many years, and it’s good to have him back.”

In the pack, there’s a return for Joe Batley, partnering James Dun – making his 50th competitive appearance – in the engine room, with George Kloska back at tighthead having missed the round 13 fixture at Kingsholm.

Fitz Harding captains from the openside flank, while Steven Luatua makes his 149th competitive appearance for the club from the blindside, a Bristol go in search of what would be their 150th Premiership win.

BRISTOL v Leicester: 15. Rich Lane, 14. Jack Bates, 13. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 11. Gabriel Ibitoye, 10. AJ MacGinty, 9. Harry Randall; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Gabriel Oghre, 3. George Kloska, 4. James Dun, 5. Joe Batley, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Fitz Harding (c), 8. Viliame Mata.

Replacements: 16. Harry Thacker, 17. Yann Thomas, 18. Max Lahiff, 19. Josh Caulfield, 20. Jake Heenan, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. James Williams, 23. Joe Jenkins.