Harlequins: Marcus Smith returns to the starting XV

A host of senior players return to fitness as Harlequins’ Men’s coaches have `bolstered the matchday 23 to face Racing 92 this weekend with five players returning to the matchday squad.

Amongst the pack, Joe Marler returns to start in the frontrow alongside George Head and Wilco Louw, with Club Captain Stephan Lewies making his first appearance of the season following long-term injury to complete the tight five alongside fellow South African Irne Herbst in the second row.

Also returning to fitness this weekend is openside flanker Will Evans, who links up with Luke Wallace and Alex Dombrandt to complete the pack.

Fly-half Marcus Smith and outside back Aaron Morris complete the returnees within the backs contingent as both make starting returns following spells on the sidelines.

Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson said: “First of all, it’s great to welcome back so many players to the matchday squad after spells away from the team. Our Club Captain Stephan Lewies and Aaron Morris, in particular, have had to display plenty of patience in their returns to fitness and have worked incredibly hard to get back for this match.

“It’s a huge boost to welcome Marcus Smith and Will Evans back this week, also. They are two guys that make a huge difference when they are on the pitch.

“Racing 92 are an immensely talented team with heaps of history in this competition and we know that after beating them at our place last year there is going to be some sort of reaction. We’re playing in their backyard on their turf this week and there will be plenty of pride on the line for them, so they’ll be pretty fired up.

“We’ve had a good training week and the group are determined to bounce back to winning ways after last weekend’s loss in the Premiership. With a roof on the stadium in Paris this weekend and two sides that play pretty positive rugby, I’m sure this is going to be a great spectacle.”

Harlequins Starting XV

1. Joe Marler

2. George Head

3. Wilco Louw

4. Stephan Lewies

5. Irne Herbst

6. Luke Wallace

7. Will Evans

8. Alex Dombrandt – Captain

9. Danny Care

10. Marcus Smith

11. Aaron Morris

12. Andre Esterhuizen

13. Joe Marchant

14. Cadan Murley

15. Nick David

Impact Players

16. Jack Walker 17. Jordan Els 18. Simon Kerrod 19. George Hammond 20. Tom Lawday 21. Lewis Gjaltema 22. Oscar Beard 23. Will Edwards