HARLEQUINS HAS ANNOUNCED ITS SQUAD TO TRAVEL TO BELFAST AND FACE ULSTER ON SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER, IN THE HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP.

Kyle Sinckler will make his first appearance for Harlequins since returning from the Rugby World Cup, paired with fellow England front row Joe Marler.

Fijian forward Tevita Cavubati lines up in the second row with South African lock Stephan Lewies. Semi Kunatani joins Chris Robshaw and Alex Dombrandt in the back row as Tom Lawday is rotated to give Kunatani his first start of the season.

Head of Rugby Paul Gustard has made no changes to his backs that defeated Gloucester last weekend in the Gallagher Premiership, with late replacement winger Travis Ismaiel again starting at 14.

Gustard said “Ulster have a very proud record at the Kingspan and a strong history in this competition. They sit top of our group and are a side littered with internationals and foreign talent. It is exactly the kind of challenge you expect, and want, in rugby. We are looking forward to the game and embracing the contest.

“Games like this need no hype or incentive. We need to go there and put our best 80 together. We know the crowd are partisan and will create a terrific atmosphere, and one which will require strong refereeing to differentiate between fact and fiction. It will be a great cup tie and one for our supporters to relish and enjoy supporting their team and heroes.”

For this fixture, Harlequins will be sporting this season’s Big Game 12 kit, ahead of the annual festive showpiece fixture which takes place at Twickenham Stadium on 28 December.

Harlequins Starting XV:

1 Joe Marler (195) (VC)

2 Elia Elia (45)

3 Kyle Sinckler (139)

4 Stephan Lewies (7)

5 Tevita Cavubati (4)

6 Semi Kunatani (14)

7 Chris Robshaw (283) (Captain)

8 Alex Dombrandt (32)

9 Danny Care (265) (VC)

10 Marcus Smith (68)

11 Gabriel Ibitoye (28)

12 James Lang (56)

13 Michele Campagnaro (4)

14 Travis Ismaiel (5)

15 Ross Chisholm (110)

Game Changers:
16 Jack Musk (3)
17 Nick Auterac (17)
18 Simon Kerrod (11)
19 Dino Lamb (21)
20 Tom Lawday (8)
21 Martin Landajo (8)
22 Francis Saili (30)
23 Vereniki Goneva (1)

Not available:

Forwards
Rob Buchanan
Max Crumpton
Jack Clifford
Glen Young
James Chisholm
Scott Baldwin
Renaldo Bothma
Santiago Garcia Botta
Phil Swainston
Archie White
Will Collier
Matt Symons

Backs
Nathan Earle
Ben Tapuai
Aaron Morris
Joe Marchant
Luke Northmore
Mike Brown
Cadan Murley

Liking that front row!

Our forwards replacements are not too strong, but happy with that from who is available. COYQ!

Our best starting pack in my opinion

Good starting XV, feeling confident now

Cavubati will show you he is better than Symons against Ulster!!

I think we need to start quickly and try to prevent Ulster settling into their game. Too often we concede early and once we fall behind, desperation creeps in. It's a big ask, as Ulster are a quality side. I'm always optimistic but I'd be happily surprised if we get the win. Still, we've pulled off minor miracles before.

On a side note, can anyone remind me what the situation is with Baby Chis?

He had a good game aside from that utter stupidity at the end. I would still have Symons as first choice though.