The Mark Regan column:

Tomorrow's game against Saracens is an opportunity for those selected to not just pencil, but ink their names on the team-sheet for the Northampton game on November 16.

We have been preparing for that game for the last two weeks and we know we are coming into a very important period in the club's history.

This November international period is definitely the biggest period in the club's history to date, I have no doubt about that.

We have got Guinness Premiership games, including Gloucester away, while the international players are away – and we need to take advantage.

While there is nothing riding on tomorrow's EDF Energy Cup game apart from pride and the chance to earn selection for the Northampton game, it would be great to get another 'W' to put down in the programme.

Apart from a few injuries, Richard Hill is pretty much going into this one with a full first team and we have got a responsibility to get a win for the club to build confidence ahead of that autumn Test period.

The fact the game is being played on a Saturday afternoon at the Memorial Stadium takes me back to the mid-90s – and I think all sport should be played on a Saturday afternoon.

Saracens beat us in the Premiership earlier this month so we will be looking to get a bit of revenge and put a marker down.

I am very happy to be starting, because it looks like Richard is putting what he sees as a first team out – and it is another chance for me. I want to stay in the team and I want to keep hold of that shirt.

I am a happy man at the moment, what with Clifton having six wins from six at the moment and being back in the Bristol side. I know I have to play well and work hard to stay there, though.