HARLEQUINS HAVE ANNOUNCED THE SIDE THAT WILL FACE ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP.

The squad to lead Quins in their first Heineken Champions Cup fixture since the 2017/2018 season sees the return of both Danny Care and Mike Brown from injuries. Scrum half Care will be making his first start of the 2019/20 campaign in the side led by Club Captain Chris Robshaw, who will be joined in the back row by Will Evans and Tom Lawday.

Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “Clermont away is one of the iconic fixtures in European rugby. They are a formidable team, with huge quality throughout their squad and whom present a great opportunity for the team to test themselves in a brilliant atmosphere.

“We worked hard last year to earn the right to play in this competition and we always want to give the best account of ourselves and do justice to the badge. It’s a great boost to the squad to have DC and Browny back after their respective injuries and we look forward to seeing them perform.

“We are excited about the game and hope our fans turn up en masse and support the team, whilst enjoying the experience.”

Harlequins Starting XV:

1 Santiago Garcia Botta (5)

2 Scott Baldwin (6)

3 Simon Kerrod (

4 Glen Young (6)

5 Matt Symons (30)

6 Chris Robshaw (280) (Captain)

7 Will Evans (6)

8 Tom Lawday (5)

9 Danny Care (262)

10 Marcus Smith (65)

11 Gabriel Ibitoye (26)

12 Francis Saili (28)

13 James Lang (53)

14 Cadan Murley (20)

15 Mike Brown (325)

Game Changers:

16 Elia Elia (42)

17 Mark Lambert (245)

18 Phil Swainston (25)

19 Tevita Cavubati (1)

20 Renaldo Bothma (26)

21 Martin Landajo (7)

22 Michele Campagnaro (1)

23 Ross Chisholm (107)

Not available due to injury:

Forwards
Rob Buchanan
Max Crumpton
Will Collier
Stephan Lewies
Toby Freeman
Jack Clifford
James Chisholm
Alex Dombrandt

Backs
Nathan Earle
Ben Tapuai
Aaron Morris
Luke Northmore
Joe Marchant

Rugby World Cup:
Joe Marler
Kyle Sinckler

Joe and Kyle back for Bath, or are we joining Salarycens and targeting the prem (to avoid relegation)?

Against

1. Falgoux ; 2. Ulugia ; 3. Slimani
4. Jedrasiak ; 5. Timani
6. Yato ; 8. Lee ; 7. Fischer
9. Parra (cap.) ; 10. Lopez
11. Raka ; 12 Moala ; 13. Toeava ; 14. Betham
15. Abendanon


Remplaçants : 16. Tadjer ; 17. Uhila ; 18. Zirakashvili ; 19. T. Lanen ; 20. C. Lanen ; 21. Laidlaw ; 22. McIntyre ; 23. Naqalevu

Will get tonked, as we probably deserve with our approach to all the changes and general recruitment.

I am ever the optimist and can see the (huge? quite big?) potential in the team. I like the look of our backs and the back row also looks strong. I am hoping that Kerrod can kick on and provide some competition in that position. Glen Young needs to take his chance too. He could provide a solution in our main area of concern.

I think anything from the game would be a bonus and something to build on for the next two home games (Bath in EC and Glaws in Prem) which are huge for our morale and the direction of the team this season. If we win, of course, we will go through the rest of the season unbeaten!!! That's my bold claim!!!!

Best wishes and safe journey to everyone travelling. Enjoy the game, all.

Glen Young = facepalm recruitment for me. Just can't see what he adds. Otherwise, a decent-ish XV (please come back soon Joe and Kyle!)

Injuries racking up. Some first names on the team sheet in that injury list.

I'm not expecting a huge amount from this away trip.

Yep. I’d rather have kept Merrick.

Has Freeman played yet?

Did anyone actually watch the game? Young was fantastic last week, really stepped up physically and thought he was good at the set pieces. Think he could develop into a real gem for us

Yes, unfortunately I did. Didn't see what you did I'm afraid. Thought only dombrandt and Chisholm came out with much credit, maybe Chisholm snr too for 60 mins.

Got no issue with young but don't know why we released a load of average locks only to replace them with similar.

Still, Glyn steadily improved so hopefully they can too