Uni student set to make pro debut for Bath as key duo return

University of Bath student Claudius Wheeler is set to make his professional debut after being named on Bath’s bench for the visit of Sale Sharks on Saturday afternoon.

Wheeler has come into the matchday 23, because of the toe injury suffered by Scott Kirk, as back-up to England international Beno Obano.

The 22-year-old could end up packing down with University of Bath alumni, Archie Griffin, who has been selected to start at tight-head despite being in camp with Wales this week.

Bath welcome back two key players from injury, with Henry Arundell and Tom de Glanville restored to the left wing and full-back.

De Glanville’s return to fitness is most timely given the season-ending suffered by Santi Carreras at Gloucester last Friday.

With Guy Pepper joining Dan du Preez and Sam Underhill on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in the derby defeat at Kingsholm, Bath boss Johann van Graan has rejigged his back row.

Scotland international Josh Bayliss starts at No.8 for the first time since round three last season, while Ted Hill and Miles Reid take to the flanks.

In total, van Graan has made seven changes of personnel to the XV that started against Gloucester, three in the forwards and four in the backs, with Ben Spencer continuing to wear the captain’s armband.

Bath Rugby vs Sale Sharks, KO 15:05, Saturday October 31st at The Rec: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Will Jeanes, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Josh Bayliss, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville.

Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Claudius Wheeler (debut), 18 Will Stuart, 19 Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, 20 Ewan Richards, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Louie Hennessey, 23 Jaco Coetzee.