Players To Watch: Challenge Cup Round One

The European Rugby Challenge Cup kicks off on Friday, with some enticing matchups throughout the opening weekend.

Here are five players to keep an eye on in round one.

Faf de Klerk – Sale Sharks

The nippy scrumhalf returns from Springbok duty after some outstanding performances in the Rugby Championship, really making the number 9 jersey his own.

He will look to continue his fine run of form in the opening match of the competition, an away fixture against Perpignan.

George North – Ospreys

The burly winger has notched up four tries in this season’s Pro14, joint third in the competition and will look to get on the scoresheet in the Ospreys opening fixture, a home tie against French outfit Pau.

Nathan Earle – Harlequins

Earle’s move to Harlequins this season has paid dividends, with the flier currently sitting second in metres made in the Premiership.

His side will look to get him into space when they host Agen in their first Challenge Cup encounter.

Jono Ross – Sale Sharks

The workaholic skipper will look to build on a fine start to the Premiership, where he currently leads the way in tackles made and sits third in carries.

Can he lead his team to Challenge Cup glory? It starts away to Perpignan. 

Alapati Leiua – Bristol Bears

The Samoan international is enjoying a stellar Premiership season, using his combination of pace and power to currently sit joint third in the completion for clean breaks.

The Bears host Italian side Zebre in week one.