TEAM NEWS | Harlequins v Saracens Men

Nick Tompkins says it is an amazing feeling to start the season by making his 150th appearance for Saracens as he prepares for a landmark day to kick off the 2022/23 campaign against Harlequins. 

The Welsh international, who made his Saracens debut back in 2012 will once again start at inside centre, and bring up another milestone in the process for his boyhood club.

The Men in Black will travel to The Twickenham Stoop to face their local rivals in a mouthwatering early-season derby which will be live on BT Sport. 

Director of Rugby Mark McCall will welcome back a number of players who were on international duty throughout the summer, as his side look to start the season strongly on Saturday. 

Eroni Mawi, Tom Woolstencroft and Christian Judge start in a powerful front-row, with Maro Itoje partnering summer signing Hugh Tizard in the second-row. 

Theo McFarland starts at blindside flanker, with Ben Earl at openside and Billy Vunipola at the base of the scrum. 

Scrum-half Ivan van Zyl will be alongside captain Owen Farrell at fly-half, with Tompkins and Alex Lozowski making up a familiar midfield partnership. 

Alex Lewington will be on the left wing, whilst Max Malins will be on the right and Elliot Daly at full-back. 

There is a wealth of experience on the bench, with the likes of Jamie George, Mako Vunipola, Jackson Wray and Duncan Taylor all ready to make an impact when required. 

Tompkins spoke of his gratitude to those at the club who have helped him reach his 150th appearance. 

“It’s an amazing feeling to get this many caps for such a special team and with such special teammates. I’m very grateful to have the opportunities that have been given to me.”

Saracens Men team to play Harlequins: 

1 Eroni Mawi

2 Tom Woolstencroft

3 Christian Judge

4 Maro Itoje

5 Hugh Tizard

6 Theo McFarland 

7 Ben Earl 

8 Billy Vunipola

9 Ivan van Zyl

10 Owen Farrell (c)

11 Alex Lewington

12 Nick Tompkins

13 Alex Lozowski 

14 Max Malins

15 Elliot Daly

Replacements: 

16 Jamie George

17 Mako Vunipola

18 Alec Clarey

19 Andy Christie 

20 Jackson Wray

21 Aled Davies 

22 Manu Vunipola 

23 Duncan Taylor