London Irish make five changes to the starting XV for this Sunday’s Championship Cup fixture with Bedford Blues at the Madejski Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Former Italian international Luke McLean starts at full-back, accompanying England under-20 international Ben Loader and Ollie Hassell-Collins in the back three.

Terrence Hepetema keeps his place at 12 after an energetic debut against the Pirates, with speedster Matt Williams named at outside centre.

Following a man of the match performance on his 100th appearance for the club last week, Scott Steele retains the nine jersey at the heart of the Exiles backline alongside Stephen Myler at fly-half.

Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi and Ollie Hoskins pack down on either side of the front-row with former Australian international Saia Fainga’a getting the nod at hooker. 

Barney Maddison captains the side from the second-row after leading the Exiles out last week, with Sebastian de Chaves keeping his place to accompany Maddison in the row.

Explosive flankers Max Northcote-Green and Isaac Curtis-Harris start on either side of the pack following impressive displays, with Matt Rogerson being called up to the No.8 position.

London Irish: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 13 Matt Williams, 12 Terrence Hepetema, 11 Ben Loader, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Scott Steele, 8 Matt Rogerson, 7 Isaac Curtis-Harris, 6 Max Northcote-Green, 5 Sebastian de Chaves, 4 Barney Maddison ©, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 2 Saia Fainga’a, 1 Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi.

Replacements: 16 Dave Porecki, 17 Lovejoy Chawatama, 18 Josh McNally, 19 Blair Cowan, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Jacob Atkins, 22 Fergus Mulchrone

 

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