TOM Dunn and Zach Mercer return to the starting line-up for Bath's Aviva Premiership clash against London Irish at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday (3pm).

The duo, who have been away on international duty with England, take their places at hooker and openside flanker respectively.

Dunn will be joined by Beno Obano and Anthony Perenise in the front row, while Luke Charteris returns in the second row alongside Elliott Stooke.

Matt Garvey, who made his 100th appearance for the club last Friday against Leicester Tigers in the Anglo Welsh Cup, captains the side in a back row which includes Mercer and Paul Grant.

Kahn Fotuali’i starts in at scrum-half, with Freddie Burns, who scored 16 points on his last visit to the Madejski two weeks ago, joining the Samoan in the half-backs.

James Wilson makes his first Aviva Premiership start for the club at outside centre, with Matt Banahan completing the centre partnership.

Bath: 15. Tom Homer, 14. Jack Wilson, 13. James Wilson, 12. Matt Banahan, 11. Aled Brew, 10. Freddie Burns, 9. Kahn Fotuali’i, 1. Beno Obano, 2. Tom Dunn, 3. Anthony Perenise, 4. Luke Charteris, 5. Elliott Stooke, 6. Matt Garvey (captain), 7. Zach Mercer, 8. Paul Grant.

Replacements: 16. Michael van Vuuren, 17. Nick Auterac, 18. Max Lahiff, 19. Levi Douglas, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. Darren Allinson, 22. Josh Lewis, 23. Darren Atkins.