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Lee-Lo returns for Harlequins trip

First Team News | 17th December 2021


Rey Lee-Lo returns to the Cardiff midfield for Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup trip to face Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop (KO 1.00pm).

The Blue and Blacks have made a total of four changes to the starting line-up, with Samoan international Lee-Lo reunited with centre partner Willis Halaholo, having served his recent suspension.

Ellis Jenkins continues to skipper the side from the blindside but, with Olly Robinson ruled out of the encounter, Sam Moore slots in at number eight as James Botham moves across to the openside.

Hooker Iestyn Harris is replaced by Evan Yardley in the number two jersey, after suffering a shoulder injury during last week’s defeat to Toulouse.

Fan favourite Dan Fish will partner Tomos Williams at half back, with Jason Tovey still going through his return-to-play protocols after departing the field for a HIA last week.

The final change in the side sees a debut for academy full back Cameron Winnett. The youngster, who featured for the club’s under-18 side in June, replaces Jacob Beetham, who received a red card last week.

Gruff Rees, who takes charge for this game, said: “Last week was a monumental effort from the boys and it made for a very special day at the Arms Park.

“However, this week is another huge challenge against the English champions and once again we’ll have to raise our game to go toe-to-toe with them.

“We’ve had to adjust the side a little bit due to players being unavailable but we’ve also got a huge amount of belief in this group that they can go again.

“It’s been a really good couple of weeks, and the way they group has come together through the challenges has spoken volumes about the character in this squad, and it would be great to cap that off with another good performance down at Twickenham.”

There are a further three potential debuts on the bench, with Wales under-20 captain Alex Mann covering the back row while front row duo Alun Rees and Nathan Evans are also drafted in.

Those who returned from quarantine following the URC trip to South Africa were not considered for selection.

Cardiff Rugby: Cameron Winnett; Josh Adams, Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Theo Cabango; Dan Fish, Tomos Williams; Rowan Jenkins, Evan Yardley, Will Davies-King, Alun Lawrence, Seb Davies, Ellis Jenkins (capt.), James Botham, Sam Moore

Replacements: Alun Rees, Nathan Evans, Geraint James, Rhys Anstey, Alex Mann, Ethan Lloyd, Ioan Evans, Ryan Wilkins

Player Unavailable for Selection

Forwards: Brad Thyer, Theo Bevacqua, Corey Domachowski, Rhys Carré, Liam Belcher, Kristian Dacey, Kirby Myhill, Dmitri Arhip, Keiron Assiratti, Scott Andrews, Matthew Screech, Rory Thornton, Teddy Williams, Will Boyde, Gwilym Bradley, Josh Turnbull, James Ratti, Shane Lewis-Hughes

Backs: Lloyd Williams, Ellis Bevan, Jamie Hill, Jarrod Evans, Rhys Priestland, Ben Thomas, Max Llewellyn, Garyn Smith, Harri Millard, Jason Harries, Aled Summerhill, Owen Lane, Hallam Amos, Matthew Morgan.

Unavailable due to injury or suspension: Dillon Lewis, Josh Navidi, Mason Grady, Luke Scully, Efan Daniel, Ben Burnell, Iestyn Harris, Olly Robinson, Jacob Beetham, Gwilym Evans