Struggling Quins pick up welcome Challenge Cup win

Harlequins shrug off poor form in the Prem to score a half-century of points against French side Vannes.

Marcus Smith has scored four tries in two games for Harlequins

Tries: Murley 2, Smith 2, Hobson, Riley, Evans 2, Staples Cons: Smith 6

Harlequins put aside their difficulties in the early weeks of the new Prem season to start their 2026-27 Challenge Cup campaign with a welcome bonus-point win over French club Vannes.

Quins are bottom of the Prem after losing all three of their matches, but they were far too strong for their visitors, clocking up nine tries.

England back Marcus Smith contributed 22 points courtesy of two tries and six conversions, while there were two tries from captain Cadan Murley and Will Evans and further efforts from Will Hobson, Sam Riley and Jimmy Staples.

Vannes, who are bottom of the Top 14 with four losses out of four, contributed three tries of their own thanks to Wayan De Benedittis and two from winger Enzo Benmegal.

Source: BBC Sport