Champions Cup and Challenge Cup Round 2: Five players to watch

Whether they’re chasing form, making a statement or bringing much-needed spark to their sides, each has the potential to shape the matches ahead. Here are the players to watch.

Hugo Reus is set to make his first appearance for Perpignan this weekend, starting at fly-half away to Benetton in the Challenge Cup. The young playmaker, on loan from Montpellier until the end of the season, will wrap up the campaign in Catalonia before moving on to Bordeaux-Bègles next summer.

For Reus, this feels like a much-needed reset. After a frustrating start to the season — just 111 minutes of game time so far — he now has the chance to rediscover his rhythm. If things fall into place, this short stint could not only spark his own revival ahead of his move to Bordeaux, but also play a crucial role in helping Perpignan steer clear of relegation to Pro D2.

Rieko Ioane will make his first start for Leinster tonight as Leo Cullen shuffles his squad for their Champions Cup meeting with Leicester Tigers. The 86-cap All Black impressed off the bench on his debut last week, and now slots into the midfield alongside Robbie Henshaw — forming a centre pairing packed with experience, power and class.

Christian Wade is finally set to run out in a Newcastle Red Bulls jersey this Saturday, delivering a long-awaited debut for one of rugby’s most electric finishers. Since returning to union after his code-switching adventure, Wade has worked tirelessly with a personal trainer to stay sharp, with head coach Alan Dickens previously hinting that his introduction would be a gradual one.

Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash with the Lions at Kingston Park now provides the perfect stage. For Newcastle fans, the excitement is obvious. Wade’s pace, footwork and knack for finding space have terrified defences in union, league and even the NFL. Many will be curious to see just how much his time in league has refined his already lethal attacking instincts.

Antoine Dupont is back — properly back. Toulouse have named the superstar scrum-half to start at Scotstoun on Saturday night, his first start since rupturing knee ligaments during the Six Nations.

Dupont, now 29, has eased himself in with two appearances off the bench, but has finally been cleared to take the field from the opening whistle, nine months after his injury in France’s win over Ireland on March 8. With Blair Kinghorn also in the starting lineup, Glasgow could be in for a long evening.

Topping the list is Northampton Saints’ livewire Henry Pollock, who starts against the Bulls on Sunday. At this point, it almost goes without saying: when Pollock plays, something happens. It might be a flash of brilliance with ball in hand or an off-beat moment that has everyone talking, but he’s rarely quiet.

Pollock is one of two changes to the Saints side that defeated Pau 35–27 in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup. The only switch in the backs sees Ollie Sleightholme return from injury. With Pollock back in the fold, Saints will expect an immediate injection of energy — and probably a few fireworks.