England stars Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt return as Harlequins face London Irish

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Will Macpherson1 April 2022

Harlequins welcome back England stars Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt in the Gallagher Premiership for the first time in almost three months in their derby at London Irish on Sunday.

Quins had a bye round last week, with other competitions meaning Smith and Dombrandt have not played in the Premiership since early January.

Smith slots in at fly-half, with Dombrandt captaining the team from No8 in the absence of Stephan Lewies.

Also starting are their England team-mates Joe Marler and Joe Marchant. Scotland’s Huw Jones starts at full-back for the first time with Tyrone Green injured.

“Having the England guys come back in gives everyone a bit of a lift, it’s great to have them back and they’re all chomping at the bit to be back involved,” said attack coach Nick Evans.

For Irish, captain Matt Rogerson moves to lock, while Lucio Cinti starts on the wing and Tom Parton at full-back.

Tonight, Saracens take on Sale without Owen Farrell, who has managed just six appearances for club and country this season.

He returned from an ankle injury last week against Bristol, but concussion protocols have ruled him out this week.

Sale have Manu Tuilagi, who played no part in England’s Six Nations campaign, back on their bench. It will be his first appearance since February 12.

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