With just over a week to go until the EPCR Challenge Cup returns, we take a look at some of the individual statistics for the opening two rounds and this time it’s the turn of the leading defenders.

Tackles – Lorenzo Cannone (35)

Benetton Rugby No.8 Cannone has made an immediate impact in the EPCR Challenge Cup in his maiden season in the competition, topping the tackle count after two rounds and scoring his first tries in the tournament with his double in the Italian side’s 45-7 win at Aviron Bayonnais in Round 2.

The 21-year-old is two ahead of Newcastle Falcons back-row forward Tom Marshall in the tackle list.

Turnovers – Jack Dixon (5)

Dragons RFC centre Dixon heads a tightly-packed turnover category by one from Toyota Cheetahs flanker Daniel Maartens, Connacht Rugby back-row forward Shamus Hurley-Langton and Zebre Parma flanker MJ Pelser.