Isgró returns to Harlequins starting XV for EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Vannes

Rodrigo Isgró returns to the Harlequins starting XV for Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup opener against RC Vannes at The Stoop, as head coach Jason Gilmore makes four changes to a side that has endured a difficult Premiership campaign so far.

The Argentina international, a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, comes in on the right wing and joins captain Cadan Murley and full-back George Furbank in what Gilmore has assembled as an attack-minded back three. Marcus Smith continues at fly-half, with Lucas Friday at scrum-half and the centre pairing of Luke Northmore and Bryn Bradley retained.

Up front, the front row of Will Hobson, hooker Sam Riley and Simon Kerrod is unchanged from recent Premiership duty. Riley will be looking to build on a confidence-boosting outing against Sale Sharks last week, in which he crossed for two tries despite his side suffering defeat. James Dun and Kieran Treadwell continue in the second row, while former European champion Guido Petti Pagadizábal comes into the side at blindside flanker alongside Seb Driscoll and Lucas Schmid.

Gilmore has opted for a six-two split on the bench, with England Under-20 hooker Jimmy Staples in line for his European debut should he come on. Summer signing Harry Johnson-Holmes and Ollie Streeter offer front-row cover, while Elliot Williams earns a place in a senior matchday squad for the first time since pre-season. Harry Browne, experienced openside Will Evans, scrum-half Will Porter and versatile back Tyrone Green complete the 23.

Harlequins XV: 15 George Furbank, 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Bryn Bradley, 11 Cadan Murley (capt), 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Lucas Friday; 1 Will Hobson, 2 Sam Riley, 3 Simon Kerrod, 4 James Dun, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 6 Guido Petti Pagadizábal, 7 Seb Driscoll, 8 Lucas Schmid.

Replacements: 16 Jimmy Staples, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Ollie Streeter, 19 Elliot Williams, 20 Harry Browne, 21 Will Evans, 22 Will Porter, 23 Tyrone Green.