Bath Rugby will field young tighthead prop Vilikesa Sela for their crucial Champions Cup clash against Toulon this Sunday. The 20-year-old steps up in place of injured England international Will Stuart, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury. Head of rugby Johann van Graan confirmed the change earlier this week, with Thomas du Toit named on the bench to cover the front row.
After a commanding 40-14 victory over Munster last weekend, Bath are eager to build on their dominant form. The front row sees continuity with Beno Obano and Tom Dunn joining Sela following their strong scrum display in Round One. Quinn Roux retains his spot in the tight five as Ross Molony shifts into the starting second row, while Charlie Ewels moves to the bench.
In the back row, Alfie Barbeary returns from an ankle injury to start alongside Ted Hill and Sam Underhill. Finn Russell will captain the side, partnering Tom Carr-Smith, who earns his first European start for Bath at scrum-half.
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The midfield remains unchanged with Cameron Redpath and Max Ojomoh once again starting, supported by wings Henry Arundell and Joe Cokanasiga, and Santi Carreras at fullback.
On the replacements bench, Bath will deploy Francois van Wyk, Kepu Tuipulotu, and Thomas du Toit in the front row, with Arthur Green set to make his European debut among the replacement forwards. Neil le Roux will also make his European bow, with Louie Hennessey completing the bench to make a balanced 6-2 split of forwards and backs.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:15 pm UK time.
On the injury front, England winger Will Muir remains sidelined after suffering a calf strain in training while recovering from an earlier ankle injury sustained during the pre-season win against Worcester Warriors.
Toulon’s starting lineup features Mathieu Ferte at fullback, flanked by Gaël Drean and Setariki Tuicuvu on the wings. Their front row includes Jean-Baptiste Gros, Gianmarco Lucchesi, and former England prop Kyle Sinckler. Charles Ollivon leads the side as captain in the back row.
Match officials include referee Nika Amashukeli from Georgia, with assistant referees Saba Abulashvili and Saba Makharadze also representing Georgia. TMO duties are handled by Ben Whitehouse from Wales, while Eugene Ryan from Ireland serves as citing commissioner.