Batley returns for Bristol against Gloucester

Lock Joe Batley was not expected back until May after dislocating his thumb in February [Getty Images]

After two weeks of European action, the Prem returns this weekend in another test for teams who have been fighting on two fronts this season.

Bath, Northampton, Sale and Exeter have all played the past two weekends while the league has been on pause, with Bath and Exeter making it through to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup set to take place in May.

Bristol, Harlequins, Leicester and Newcastle also all had a game but exited Europe in the round of 16 stage two weeks ago, while Gloucester are the only team who have not played at all since their last Prem outing on 28 March.

You can listen to coverage of all of the matches on BBC DAB and FM local radio, via BBC Sounds or the BBC Sport website and app.

Bristol v Gloucester (Friday)

Lock Joe Batley has returned from a thumb injury earlier than expected to start for Bristol in their must-win game against Gloucester on Friday.

The Bears, who are seven points behind Exeter in fifth, also have centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg in the starting XV after scans ruled out a suspected cheek fracture which forced him off during the defeat by Toulouse two weeks ago.

Rich Lane makes his first appearance since February at full-back in place of Louis Rees-Zammit who misses out with injury.

Gloucester have made five changes from the team that lost to Leicester in their last outing.

Prop Dian Bleuler and lock Danny Eite make their Prem starts for the Cherry and Whites, the latter having agreed a new deal with the club this week.

Seb Blake comes in at hooker, while in the backs George Barton starts at full-back with Josiah Edwards-Giraud on the wing as Ben Redshaw drops to the bench.