Former Reds flanker Liam Gill will make his debut for Toulon this weekend, starting at openside flanker in the second round of the Top 14.
Gill missed the first round, pending some final medical checks, but has slotted straight into the starting team this time around.
He will be the only Aussie in the lineup, a rare occurrence for Toulon with an abundance of capped Wallabies in its ranks.
Matt Giteau has also arrived back in France to commence his rehab after breaking his ankle in the Wallabies’ opening Test against New Zealand.
Bonne journée à tous 🇫🇷👌🏼 Feels good to be home .. 🔴⚫️
— Matt Giteau (@giteau_rugby) August 26, 2016
Giteau is set for surgery early next week, with his official recovery time yet to be confirmed.
Mike Harris debuting for Lyon, at outside centre, in their clash with Dan Carter’s Racing 92 side.
Harris hasn’t played since the Rebels 85-26 loss to the Crusaders last month, with his latest hamstring injury ending his Australian rugby career.
Luke Jones will start in the second row for Bordeaux for the second week in a row, as they take on Toulouse.
Montpellier takes on Clermont in the final match of the round on Monday morning (AEST).
TOP LEAGUE
Defending champions Panasonic suffered an opening round defeat to Yamaha, with capped Wallaby Daniel Heenan starting at lock for the Wild Knights.
The Suntory Sungoliaths pulled off a thrilling win over Kintetsu, with Anthony Fainga’a playing at inside centre for Kintetsu.
Scott Higginbotham will play his first match after a broken ankle ended his 2015-16 season, lining up at number eight for the NEC Green Rockets, in their clash with Ricoh Black Rams.
Digby Ioane will play on the right wing for Honda against the newly promoted Munakata Sanix Blues.
Wycliff Palu will come off the bench for Toyota Verblitz, in what is shaping as his final season of professional rugby.
