Full-back Harri returns as Warriors seek to make progress in Challenge Cup - The Worcester Observer

Full-back Harri returns as Warriors seek to make progress in Challenge Cup

Worcester Editorial 14th Apr, 2022   0

FULL-back Harri Doel will make his first start for Warriors in three months in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 tie against Lyon at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland on Friday (kick-off 8pm).

Doel’s last start came in the final pool match of this competition against Zebre in Parma in January although he did score a spectacular long-range try when he came off the bench in the Gallagher Premiership victory over Exeter Chiefs five weeks ago.

The former Scarlets academy player returns after a short injury lay-off and replaces Noah Heward, who took a bang to the head against Newcastle Falcons two weeks ago, as one of three changes to the side.

Tom Howe, who has scored six tries in eight appearances across all competitions this season, returns on the right wing with Alex Hearle switching to the left wing.




Lock Justin Clegg is recalled in the pack with Joe Batley moving from the second row to blindside flanker.

Scotland and British and Irish Lions loosehead prop Rory Sutherland will make his first appearance for Warriors in a European competition.


On the bench, flanker Sam Lewis returns to the matchday squad for the first time since he aggravated a dead leg injury at Sale Sharks two months ago.

Centre Seb Atkinson also comes back into the squad as a replacement having impressed in the Premiership Rugby Cup win at Bath two weeks ago.

Atkinson and back-row forward Jack Forsythe are both in line to make their European debuts.

Warriors | 15 Harri Doel, 14 Tom Howe, 13 Oli Morris, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 Alex Hearle, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Gareth Simpson, 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 Niall Annett, 3 Christian Judge, 4 Justin Clegg, 5 Graham Kitchener, 6 Joe Batley, 7 Ted Hill (C), 8 Sione Vailanu.

Replacements | 16 Isaac Miller, 17 Ethan Waller, 18 Murray McCallum, 19 Sam Lewis, 20 Jack Forsythe, 21 Will Chudley, 22 Billy Searle, 23 Seb Atkinson.

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