Garath Archer will lead the Bristol Shoguns team on Sunday against Northampton Saints in their latest Zurich Premiership clash.

The 6ft 6" lock forward captains the team in place of Ross Beattie, the Scottish international number eight.
Beattie, who despite passing a series of neurological tests after his clash with Trevor Leota last weekend, has been recommended to rest, but will be in contention for next weekend.

Commenting on the official Bristol Shoguns website about his new role, Archer said: "I usually take a vocal role on the field and I don't see it changing what I do week in, week out."

The England international added: "I want to do a job for the team and the management who have asked me to be
captain."

Matt Salter replaces Beattie at number eight and Neil McCarthy returns from injury to line up alongside Julian White and Darren Crompton in the front row.

The last time the Shoguns clashed with Northampton Saints was in the semi-final of the Zurich Championship
at the Memorial Stadium when the home side ran out 32-24 winners with Contepomi scoring all the points.

Commenting on Sunday's visitors head coach Peter Thorburn said: "Wayne Smith is a good friend of mine and his team has some strong areas of play especially
in rucks and mauls where they clean out very well.

"I'm sure June's semi-final victory over the Saints will be mentioned by the media and supporters, simply
because it brings back so many good memories. But the game itself won't have any bearing on Sunday's result."

Tickets for Sunday's fixture are available from the Shoguns Shop in the city centre or from the ticket hotline on 0117 311 1461. There will also be tickets available on Sunday at the matchday ticket office.

Bristol Shoguns Vs Northampton Saints

Sunday 15 September, Memorial Stadium, kick off 3pm

15. Lee Best
14. Brendon Daniel
13. David Rees
12. Martin Shaw
11. Phil Christophers
10. Felipe Contepomi
9. Agustin Pichot
8. Matt Salter
7. Michael Lipman
6. Ben Sturnham
5. Alex Brown
4. Garath Archer
3. Julian White
2. Neil McCarthy
1. Darren Crompton

Replacements:
16. Saul Nelson
17. Emiliano Bergamaschi
18. Andrew Sheridan
19. Craig Short
20. Paul Johnstone
21. Peter Richards
22. Shane Drahm