FULL-BACK Nick Abendanon returns as captain as he makes his first appearance of the season for Bath tomorrow.

Abendanon, 27, will lead his side in the Amlin Challenge Cup pool clash against Newport Gwent Dragons at the Rec (3pm).

Academy winger Richard Lane makes his return from injury on one wing, with rugby league-bound Tom Biggs on the other.

Matt Banahan is also back in the side, partnering Wales and British Lions star Gavin Henson in the midfield.

Martin Roberts continues at scrum-half, with Scotland ace Tom Heathcote given the nod at fly-half.

International props Anthony Perenise and David Wilson continue either side of Ross Batty, with Will Spencer and Ryan Caldwell at second row.

Will Skuse and Alafoti Fa'osiliva start on the blind and openside flanks respectively, with Carl Fearns completing the scrum at number eight.

Club captain Stuart Hooper is on the bench.

Bath: 15. Nick Abendanon (captain) 14. Richard Lane, 13. Matt Banahan, 12. Gavin Henson, 11. Tom Biggs, 10. Tom Heathcote, 9. Martin Roberts, 1. Anthony Perenise, 2. Ross Batty, 3. David Wilson, 4. Will Spencer, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Will Skuse, 7. Alafoti Fa'osiliva, 8. Carl Fearns.

Replacements: 16. Eusebio Guinazu, 17. Paul James, 18. Juan Pablo Orlandi, 19. Stuart Hooper, 20. Mat Gilbert, 21. Peter Stringer, 22. George Ford, 23. Jonathan Joseph.