British and Irish Lions

Stevens, an integral part of England's World Cup plans, lines up for Bath against Guinness Premiership opponents Harlequins at the Recreation Ground.

He has not worn Bath colours since the west country club's Powergen Cup semi-final defeat against Llanelli Scarlets in March last year.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "We knew last week that Matt wasn't far away.

"We had him taking part in the team warm-up last week to get him back in the swing of things and to help him prepare."

Stevens' Test career was also put on hold as a result of his injury, but England head coach Brian Ashton will be greatly encouraged by a return to Premiership action.

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.

British & Irish Lions hookers Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs will fight out their own private duel in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday and then become team mates for the next six weeks a day later.