Harding replaces Magnus Bradbury at No.8 for the Pool A side, who travel to USAP in the opening round of EPCR Challenge Cup action, while Tom Whiteley makes his first start since February at scrum-half, replacing the injured Harry Randall.

Joe Batley makes his Bristol debut in the second row, while the visitors welcome back wings Luke Morahan and Henry Purdy to the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, No.8 Freddie Lockwood is handed a first start of the season as EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A contenders Newcastle Falcons travel to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens to take on Northampton Saints.

Falcons head coach Dave Walder has England internationals George McGuigan and Adam Radwan at his disposal, with lock Matthew Dalton set for his full debut.

Bath Rugby make four changes for their game at Saracens; Ruaridh McConnochie, Josh Bayliss, Richard de Carpentier and Orlando Bailey are inserted into the XV by director of rugby Johann van Graan.

Bath’s opposition in the opening round of the EPCR Challenge Cup, Glasgow Warriors, travel to Cell C Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and name Scottish international Ollie Smith in the XV for the first time this season.

Elsewhere in the URC, Cardiff Rugby host Dragons in an all-Welsh, all-EPCR Challenge Cup affair. Josh Adams returns to the fold for Cardiff in the back three, while Dragons welcome back Wales international Will Rowlands to their starting lineup.

There is another all-EPCR Challenge Cup match-up as Scarlets host Zebre Parma at Parc y Scarlets – Wales international centre Scott Williams makes his first appearance of the new campaign for the home side.

Benetton Rugby are the other EPCR Challenge Cup team in URC action on Saturday – they travel to Edinburgh Rugby.

In the TOP 14, CA Brive host Stade Toulousain, Aviron Bayonne travel to Castres Olympique, Section Paloise welcome Stade Français Paris and USAP entertain ASM Clermont Auvergne.

EPCR Challenge Cup hopefuls Bristol Bears name Fitz Harding in the starting XV for the first time this season as they travel to Gloucester Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership.