TEAM NEWS | Saracens Men v London Irish

Coach Kelly Brown says Monday’s match against London Irish is a great chance for the squad to show their quality in front of the home fans.

The young group, who welcome the Exiles to StoneX are seeking their first victory in the Premiership Rugby Cup this season and know that a win could be what is needed to kickstart their campaign. 

There are debuts for new arrivals Andrew Kitchener and Tom Howe, while prop Tristan Smith could also make his first appearance for the club under the floodlights on Monday. 

Jevaughn Warren, Ethan Lewis and Alec Clarey start in the front-row, with Kitchener and Alex Wardell in the engine room. 

The back-row of Obinna Nkwocha, Toby Knight and Ollie Stonham will be looking to provide quick ball for the back-line which has shown plenty of promise in the opening two rounds. 

Ruben de Haas and captain Manu Vunipola will run the game as half-backs, inside the strong midfield pairing of Josh Hallett and Brandon Jackson. 

Howe will run out at StoneX for the first time on the left wing, with Francis Moore on the right and Tobias Elliott at full-back.

On the bench Samson Adejmi will be aiming for more of the same after his incredible four-try haul against Northampton Saints, and Charlie Reynolds-West will inject plenty of pace to the back-line when required. 

Brown wants the group to get back on track with a strong performance in Round Three. 

“This is a great opportunity for this group to show how hard we have been working.

We have shown glimpses in both games but in front of our own supporters we want to put together a performance to be proud of and get back to winning ways.”

Saracens Men team to play London Irish: 

1 Jeavughn Warren

2 Ethan Lewis

3 Alec Clarey

4 Andrew Kitchener

5 Alex Wardell 

6 Obinna Nkwocha 

7 Toby Knight

8 Ollie Stonham 

9 Ruben de Haas

10 Manu Vunipola (c)

11 Tom Howe

12 Josh Hallett

13 Brandon Jackson 

14 Francis Moore

15 Tobias Elliott

Replacements:

16 Theo Dan

17 Tristan Smith 

18 Eduardo Bello

19 Kaden Pearce-Paul

20 Samson Adejimi 

21 Sam Bryan

22 Jenson McInulty

23 Charlie Reynolds-West