TEAM NEWS | Saracens Men v London Irish

Dom Morris says it is a huge privilege as he prepares to make his 50th appearance for Saracens on Sunday afternoon.

Just a week after signing a new contract with the club, he will reach a landmark when Sarries welcome London Irish to StoneX Stadium in the European Rugby Challenge Cup. 

Director of Rugby Mark McCall has named a strong side for what is a must-win game if his team are to eye up a place in the knockout stages. 

Mako Vunipola will captain the team and he is joined by Tom Woolstencroft and Vincent Koch in the front-row, whilst Maro Itoje is paired with Callum Hunter-Hill in the second-row.

In-form Theo McFarland starts in the number six shirt, with Andy Christie at number seven after a memorable week for him which included a call-up to the Scotland squad. Billy Vunipola as ever will line up at number eight. 

Ivan van Zyl keeps his place at scrum-half and there is a start for Manu Vunipola at fly-half, with Dom Morris and Nick Tompkins in the midfield. 

Alex Lewington is on the left wing, Sean Maitland will occupy the right and the versatile Elliot Daly moves to full-back. 

On the bench there is a real blend of youth and experience, with internationals such as Jamie George, Eroni Mawi and Alex Lozowski waiting to feature as well as the likes of Harvey Beaton and Ben Harris. 

Morris, who is a boyhood Sarries fan says it is a dream to run out for a 50th time. 

“It’s a massive privilege to win 50 caps. I grew up supporting Saracens so it’s a great honour for me.

We know this is an important game for us and have had a big week of preparation so we’re very excited to get out there.”

Saracens Men team to play London Irish:

1 Mako Vunipola (c)

2 Tom Woolstencroft

3 Vincent Koch 

4 Maro Itoje

5 Callum Hunter-Hill

6 Theo McFarland 

7 Andy Christie

8 Billy Vunipola

9 Ivan van Zyl

10 Manu Vunipola

11 Alex Lewington 

12 Dom Morris

13 Nick Tompkins

14 Sean Maitland 

15 Elliot Daly

Replacements:

16 Jamie George

17 Eroni Mawi 

18 Harvey Beaton

19 Janco Venter

20 Sean Reffell 

21 Ruben de Haas

22 Alex Lozowski

23 Ben Harris