Tom Arscott and Lee Robinson will sit out Bristol Rugby's clash with Rotherham this weekend as Paul Hull keeps one eye on his side's forthcoming triple-header against the Championship's top three.

Bristol, who are currently fourth in the table, take on leaders Bedford, third-placed Exeter, and Cornish Pirates, who sit second, on successive weekends in late September and early October.

And head coach Hull, whose side have won their opening two Championship matches despite not yet reaching their potential, is already eyeing those fixtures.

As a result, full-back Arscott and winger Robinson – both of whom have started both of Bristol's matches so far – will play no part in Sunday's home match against Rotherham.

They drop out of the squad entirely, with their places in the starting line-up likely to be taken by Tom's brother, Luke Arscott, and Mat Turner.

Hull said: "Tom and Lee aren't injured, they're fit. But we've got some big games coming up and we've got to make sure we don't over-use certain people.

"Those guys have been playing well and have started all the games. They've also been carrying into a lot of traffic, so they need to have a rest to make sure they're fresh.

"I want the guys to be fresh for every game – that was the plan at the start of the season and I'm sticking to it.

"We're also keen to give people game-time so when they are called upon in big games, they've had some game-time with us. People will be rotated and everyone is feeling fresh for it."

Hull's second-row resources are stretched for this weekend's match, with both veteran Nathan Budgett and youngster Josh Brown ruled out through injury. That leaves Mariano Sambucetti and Roy Winters as the only recognised locks in the provisional 24-man squad named by Hull.

But the head coach will utilise one of his back-rowers as second-row cover, with flanker James Phillips the most likely to step up if required.

"It's a small squad but we need to be versatile," said Hull. "I don't know about Josh, but Budge will be fine for next weekend."

And Hull has reiterated his claim that he is more than happy with his squad despite their below-par displays in beating London Welsh and Birmingham & Solihull.

Last season's Guinness Premiership side have been made to toil in both matches, winning by margins of five and four points, respectively.

"I'm happy with where we are, I'm happy with the group of players we've got and I'm happy with the attitude we've got," said Hull.

"It wasn't just me and [forwards coach] John Brain who were disappointed after the Birmingham game, the players were as well.

"We have talked about how we can keep improving so we don't feel disappointed after a five-point win away from home again."

Academy full-back Jack Tovey, 18, is added to the initial squad for this weekend's match to gain experience, although he may not feature in the match-day 22.

Bristol Rugby (from): Backs – L Arscott, M Turner, L Eves, J Fatialofa, D Norton, J Adams, A Jarvis, M Davies, J Spice, R Shaw, J Tovey. Forwards – A Clarke, D Blaney, R Johnson, D Crompton, W Thompson, M Sambucetti, R Winters, B Bedes, J Phillips, I Grieve, J Merriman, R Pennycook, M Irish.