"89 minutes" - Marcus Smith OUT of Harlequins clash with Bristol Bears

The Quarters head to the Welsh capital for a blockbuster PWR and Gallagher Premiership double-header, making two changes to both their forward pack and backline for the encounter.

Up front, Simon Kerrod continues at loosehead prop, while Jack Walker returns at hooker. There’s also a Premiership debut for Harlequins at tighthead, with Welshman Joe Jones set to start.

In the second row, Elliot Williams earns his first Gallagher Premiership start after featuring in all five of England Under-20s’ 2026 Six Nations fixtures. The 18-year-old partners Kieran Treadwell in the engine room.

Williams’ inclusion sees Guido Petti shift to blindside flanker, with Jack Kenningham on the openside and captain Alex Dombrandt continuing at number eight.

Stu Townsend comes back in at scrum-half, alongside Jarrod Evans at fly-half.

Bryn Bradley lines up at inside centre, while Cadan Murley moves to outside centre due to injuries in the backline.

Nick David switches to the left wing, Rodrigo Isgró starts on the right, and Jamie Benson is named at full-back.

On the bench, Jason Gilmore has opted for a 6–2 split. Will Hobson, Sam Riley, and Pedro Delgado provide front-row cover, while Jonny Green, Zach Carr, and Seb Driscoll continue as finishers.

Jack Grant is in line to make his Premiership debut off the bench, with Sean Kerr completing the matchday 23.

England fly-half Marcus Smith is unavailable after taking a rest week in Barbados with his partner, Beth Dolling—an absence that may raise eyebrows given he played just 89 minutes during the 2026 Six Nations.

Bristol Bears v Harlequins
Saturday 28 March, 15:30 KO
Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Live on TNT Sports

Harlequins XV:
15. Jamie Benson
14. Rodrigo Isgró
13. Cadan Murley
12. Bryn Bradley
11. Nick David
10. Jarrod Evans
9. Stu Townsend

Replacements:
16. Sam Riley
17. Will Hobson
18. Pedro Delgado
19. Jonny Green
20. Zach Carr
21. Seb Driscoll
22. Jack Grant
23. Sean Kerr