FORMER Worcester Warriors fly-half Tommy Hayes will make his first league start for Bristol in Sunday's Premiership clash with champions London Wasps.

Hayes left Sixways in the summer but has struggled to make an impact at his new club.

He came on as a late replacement when Worcester visited the Memorial Ground last month but was not on the pitch long enough to affect the outcome.

Hayes' introduction is one of three changes following Bristol's 26-16 defeat at Leeds, which leaves them just one spot off the bottom of the table.

Head coach Richard Hill said: "I was going to make changes, win or lose against Leeds, because it was the right time to do it.

"And one or two players have been knocking on the door with regard to selection.

"Tommy Hayes has been waiting a long time, he's been very patient. I haven't changed the 10 because Jason Strange has done very well but it's time to freshen things up a little."

Centre Brian Lima, who hurt his head in an accidental collision with Nicolas Le Roux when the two sides met, is still out of action. His place in the team is taken by Sam Cox.

The other players to come in are Craig Short, who replaces Joe El Abd on the open-side and Dan Ward-Smith, who comes in for Geraint Lewis at number eight.