The last time Bristol Bears played in the European Challenge Cup they were lifting the trophy.
After a couple of seasons in the Champions Cup the Bears are back in the second tier competition, starting the 2022/23 campaign away at French Top 14 side USA Perpignan.
Here are all the ways you can follow the action....
READ MORE: Perpignan v Bristol Bears LIVE: Play-by-play action from the Challenge Cup
When is the game?
USA Perpignan v Bristol Bears is being played at the Stade Aimé Giral on Friday, December 9.
What time is kick-off?
The kick-off time is at 8pm.
Is the game on TV?
Yes.
The game is not being broadcast by BT Sport or EPCR TV but it is being streamed online thanks to a new partnership with Viaplay.
Viaplay, the new name for Premier Sports, is where fans can watch this weekend’s game between USA Perpignan and Bristol Bears at Stade Aimé Giral on Viaplay.
Renowned former players such as John Barclay, Bob Skinstad, Tom Shanklin and Johnnie Beattie will be among Viaplay’s analysts for its EPCR Challenge Cup coverage, with Ross Harries, Emma Dodds and Graham Little as presenters.
Fans can tune in on Sky (412, 421), Virgin TV (551, 552), or online via Amazon Prime or the Viaplay app from start to finish – you can subscribe now https://viaplay.com/gb-en/
Viaplay costs £14.99 to sign up on a monthly basis with subscription costing £11.99 per month if you sign up for the discounted annual subscription.
How else can I follow the game?
If you are not going to watch the game on TV or be inside the stadium, Bristol Live will be live blogging the match bringing you all the build-up, team news, live play-by-play match updates, reaction, stats, analysis, interviews and highlights.
Is there any radio commentary?
BBC Radio Bristol are not providing live commentary of the away game in France.
What's the team news?
USA Perpignan: 15. Boris Goutard, 14. Ali Crossdale, 13. Eddie Sawailau, 12. Alivereti Duguivalu, 11. Lucas Dubois, 10. Pato Fernandez, 9. Matteo Rodor, 1. Sacha Lotrian (c), 2. Lucas Velarte, 3. Ma'afu Fia , 4. Tristan Labouteley, 5. Eru Shahn, 6. Lucas Bachelier, 7. Brad Shields, 8. Joaquin Oviedo.
Replacements: 16. Victor Montgaillard, 17. Xavier Chiocci, 18. Akato Fakatika, 19. Posolo Tuilagi, 20. Valentin Moro, 21. Lenny Viola, 22. Dorian Laborde, 23. Theo Forner.
Bristol Bears: 15. Charles Piutau, 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Semi Radradra, 12. Joe Jenkins, 11. Gabriel Ibitoye, 10. AJ MacGinty, 9. Will Porter, 1. Yann Thomas, 2. Harry Thacker, 3. Max Lahiff, 4. Joe Batley, 5. Chris Vui, 6. Steven Luatua (c), 7. Jake Heenan, 8. Fitz Harding.
Replacements: 16. Jake Kerr, 17. Jake Woolmore, 18. Jay Tyack, 19. Elliott Stooke, 20. Daniel Thomas, 21. Tom Whiteley, 22. Callum Sheedy, 23. Ioan Lloyd,
Who are the officials?
Referee: Chris Busby (Ire)
Assistant referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ire) and Daniel Carson (Ire)
TMO: Colin Stanley (Ire)
Citing Commissioner: Malcolm Currie (Sco)
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