On the OffyIbitoye makes first start of the season against Agen in Challenge CupFriday, 12th October 2018 @ 12:00
Kunatani makes his first start for the club and Saili returns to the 23.
Winger Gabriel Ibitoye will make his first start of the season for Harlequins against Agen at The Stoop in the Challenge Cup on Saturday (kick-off: 15:00).
Ibitoye, who has scored four tries in the Premiership Rugby Shield this season, is part of a back line that includes Ben Tapuai – returning at inside centre - and Joe Marchant, who scored the Gallagher Premiership’s try of the week against Saracens last Saturday, at outside centre.
Elsewhere Fiji international Semi Kunatani makes his first start for the Club at flanker, with George Merrick and Charlie Mulchrone making their first starts of the season too. Alex Dombrandt makes the match 23 for his first appearance and Francis Saili makes a welcome return from injury as he is named among the Game Changers. James Chisholm will captain the side with Chris Robshaw and James Horwill both not considered for selection.
Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “Gabriel Ibitoye has earned his place in the starting XV against Agen this weekend through his attitude to commit to extra work to improve aspects of his game allied to some excellent performances in the Shield this season.
“I am also looking forward to seeing the contribution Semi Kunatani will make on his first start for the club and I am delighted that Francis Saili makes the match 23 for the first time this season. His return is testament to his professionalism, positive attitude and the excellent work from our medical and strength conditioning team headed up by Gareth Tong and Andy Reynolds.
“I am also excited about the introduction of Alex Dombrandt who has impressed all in pre-season and makes his first appearance for the club he supported as a boy.
“Agen have been one of the strongest clubs in France over the years which we respect but we have a rich history in the Challenge Cup and we want to do well in the competition by starting strongly tomorrow. This is also an opportunity for us to build on recent performances and move the team and the Club forward.
“We took pride in our resilient performance against Saracens last week and we have been pleased to see the improvements in our defence and scrum. Now we want to see our attack become more threatening and that is something we have focused on this week.
“This is a squad that will never give up and is united in what it is trying to achieve, which I believe the supporters can recognise and relate to. The atmosphere at The Stoop last week was the best I have experienced at a club ground in five years and the noise that was reverberating around the ground helped drive the team forward.”
Harlequins XV to play Agen (kick-off: 15:00)
15 Mike Brown (300)
14 Gabriel Ibitoye (7)
13 Joe Marchant (62)
12 Ben Tapuai (5)
11 Nathan Earle (6)
10 Marcus Smith (34)
9 Charlie Mulchrone (23)
1 Joe Marler (173)
2 Max Crumpton (4)
3 Kyle Sinckler (125)
4 George Merrick (81)
5 Matt Symons (6)
6 Renaldo Bothma (12)
7 Semi Kunatani (2)
8 James Chisholm (61) (Captain)
Game Changers
16 Elia Elia (19)
17 Lewis Boyce (17)
18 Will Collier (131)
19 Stan South (22)
20 Alex Dombrandt (-)
21 Dave Lewis (17)
22 Demetri Catrakilis (6)
23 Francis Saili (5)
Not considered for selection
Nick Auterac
Rob Buchanan
Danny Care
Jack Clifford
James Horwill
Josh Ibuanopke
Mark Lambert
Paul Lasike
James Lang
Chris Robshaw
Phil Swainston
Niall Saunders