In a significant boost for Harlequins, England prop Joe Marler makes a triumphant return to the squad for their upcoming Investec Champions Cup encounter against Ulster Rugby. The highly anticipated match is set to take place at the iconic Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.
Marler, who earned a spot in Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad, has successfully recovered from injury and is slated to start at loosehead. The seasoned prop’s last appearance was marred by an injury suffered on December 30th against Gloucester. Joining him in the formidable front row are Jack Walker as hooker and Will Collier holding the tighthead position.
Aside from Marler’s return, Harlequins have implemented two additional changes to their Starting XV. The pack showcases Irne Herbst partnering with George Hammond in the second row. Chandler Cunningham-South assumes the role of blindside flanker, stepping in for the injured James Chisholm. The dynamic back row is completed by Will Evans as the openside flanker and Alex Dombrandt, who leads the team as captain, holding the number eight position.
Maintaining consistency, the backline remains unchanged following their victory over Cardiff. The lethal halfback pairing of Danny Care and Marcus Smith takes the reins, while Andre Esterhuizen and Oscar Beard renew their effective combination in the midfield. The electrifying back three comprises Cameron Anderson, Nick David, and Tyrone Green.
On the Ulster front, Head Coach Dan McFarland has unveiled a formidable lineup, featuring six players named in Ireland’s Six Nations squad by Head Coach Andy Farrell. Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale, and Stuart McCloskey are set to play pivotal roles in the match before joining the international training camp the following week.
- Joe Marler
- Jack Walker
- Will Collier
- Irne Herbst
- George Hammond
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Will Evans
- Alex Dombrandt (Captain)
- Danny Care
- Marcus Smith
- Cameron Anderson
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Oscar Beard
- Nick David
- Tyrone Green
- Fin Baxter
- Dillon Lewis
- Joe Launchbury
- Archie White
- Will Porter
- Lennox Anyanwu
- Will Joseph
- Rob Baloucoune
- James Hume
- Stuart McCloskey
- Jacob Stockdale
- Billy Burns
- John Cooney
- Steven Kitshoff
- Tom Stewart
- Tom O’Toole
- Kieran Treadwell
- Iain Henderson (C)
- Matty Rea
- David McCann
- Nick Timoney
- Andy Warwick
- Marty Moore
- Harry Sheridan
- Marcus Rea
- Nathan Doak
- Luke Marshall
- Will Addison
Rugby enthusiasts are in for a thrilling clash as these two formidable sides prepare to face off in what promises to be an unforgettable Champions Cup showdown.