Exiles make three changes for Challenge Cup opener

London Irish have made three changes for their opening European Challenge Cup clash with FC Auch on Saturday evening.

Nils Mordt comes in at inside centre to allow Mike Catt to switch to fly-half.

Ryan Strudwick returns in the second row while Kieran Roche comes into the back row in place of the injured Kieron Dawson.

Declan Danaher moves across to openside flanker. Unavailable for selection through injury are: Kieron Dawson (knee), Adrian Flavin (neck), Darren Edwards (jaw), Rodd Penney (hamstring), Peter Poulos (knee) and Paul Sackey (ankle).

LONDON IRISH: 15 Michael Horak; 14 Delon Armitage; 13. Geoff Appleford; 12. Nils Mordt; 11 Justin Bishop; 10 Mike Catt; 9 Paul Hodgson; 1 Neal Hatley; 2 Robbie Russell; 3. Rob Hardwick; 4 Ryan Strudwick (captain); 5 Bob Casey; 6 Kieron Roche; 7 Declan Danaher; 8 Phil Murphy.

Replacements: 16 Pierre Durant; 17 David Paice; 18 Nick Kennedy; 19 Tony Roques; 20 Barry Everitt; 21 Kevin Barrett; 22 Mark Mapletoft.