Hatley returns for Exiles

Neal Hatley returns at number one for London Irish in their Powergen Cup quarter-final against Saracens on Sunday at Vicarage Road.

Hatley was out with a hand injury for two months. Darren Edwards and Barry Everitt also return, at half back for the first time since September.

Head coach Gary Gold said: “During our three-week break we have tried to strike a balance between training and rest periods.

“The guys have worked hard when required and are really looking forward to playing some competitive rugby again, and games don’t come any more competitive than this!

“Saracens are a good team that are re-discovering their true form. We have selected a team that has the ability to produce a result.

“It is a Cup quarter-final with everything to play for on the day.”

Team: 15. Delon Armitage; 14. Scott Staniforth; 13. Geoff Appleford; 12. Mike Catt*; 11. Justin Bishop; 10. Barry Everitt; 9. Darren Edwards; 1. Neal Hatley; 2. Robbie Russell; 3. Rob Hardwick; 4. Ryan Strudwick (captain); 5. Bob Casey; 6. Declan Danaher; 7. Kieron Dawson; 8. Phil Murphy.

Replacements:

16. Doug Wheatley; 17. James Van Der Walt; 18. Kieran Roche; 19. Nick Kennedy; 20. Nils Mordt; 21. Paul Hodgson; 22. Mark Mapletoft.