Cell C Sharks have recalled a contingent of big names as they welcome fellow Heineken Champions Cup newcomers Vodacom Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Saturday.

The Durban-based side, who are gunning for a third successive win in their maiden Heineken Champions Cup campaign when they entertain Union Bordeaux-Bègles in Pool A on January 14, have made six changes to their pack for the domestic clash at at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

World Cup winners in hooker Bongi Mbonambi, lock Eben Etzebeth and flanker Siya Kolisi are brought in, with Henco Venter and No.8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe completing the back row. Wing Marnus Potgieter is the solitary change in the backs, replacing the injured Werner Kok.

Vodacom Bulls, who have one win and one loss from their opening Heineken Champions Cup games, have opted to refresh their backs, with prop Simphiwe Matanzima the only change in the pack.

Bernard van der Linde and Chris Smith form a new-look halfback pairing, with Cornal Hendricks in at centre while Johan Goosen moves to full-back and Kurt-Lee Arendse shifts to the wing.

DHL Stormers, the other South African side debuting in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, are also in URC action, with prop Neethling Fouche called up as their only change as they host Emirates Lions.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Gloucester Rugby and London Irish, two sides beaten in Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup, go head-to-head in the Gallagher Premiership at Kingsholm Stadium. Wing Ollie Thorley returns to start for Gloucester after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Meanwhile, Saracens host Exeter Chiefs, both of whom won their opening two Heineken Champions Cup Pool A games.

Flanker Ben Early makes his 100th appearance for Saracens, who are bolstered by returning England internationals in hooker Jamie George and lock Maro Itoje. Exeter No.8 Greg Fisilau makes his first Premiership start.

The two teams at the bottom of Heineken Champions Cup Pool A clash in the TOP 14 on Saturday as Castres Olympique welcome Racing 92, while fellow strugglers Lyon are at home to CA Brive. Stade Rochelais, who contrastingly are top of Pool B, visit USAP.

There is further domestic action on Sunday as Northampton Saints entertain Harlequins in the Premiership.

Centre Fraser Dingwall is back for Heineken Champions Cup Pool B basement side Northampton while prop Fin Baxter, who starred in Quins’ win over Racing 92 a fortnight ago, returns to the fold.

In the URC, centre James Hume and wing Rob Baloucoune are among those returning for Ulster Rugby as they welcome Munster Rugby – the hosts are in need of a lift after falling to back-to-back defeats in their opening Heineken Champions Cup games.

Munster lock Kiran McDonald makes his first URC start, with centre Malakai Fekitoa another called in as the visitors tweak their XV.

Heineken Champions Cup Pool A leaders Leinster Rugby are at home against Connacht Rugby – fly-half Johnny Sexton is captain on first start for the Irish province since October.

Hooker Dewi Lake is set to make his return from injury as Ospreys, who claimed a famous win at Montpellier Hérault Rugby in Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup, travel to Cardiff Rugby.

Another TOP 14 clash on Sunday sees Heineken Champions Cup Pool A rivals ASM Clermont Auvergne and Stade Toulousain face off at Stade Marcel-Michelin.