London Scottish will hand competitive debuts to three players on Saturday evening, when they host Connacht Eagles in round four of the British & Irish Cup.

Scottish desperately need a win after three defeats in three games puts them bottom of pool two.

Harlequins’ dual-registered centre Harry Sloan starts in midfield with former Wales U18s back Ben Calder earning a debut at scrum-half.

Meanwhile, Australian trialist Matt Hawke gets the chance to impress on the wing.

London Scottish director of rugby Mike Friday said: “The B&I Cup has not gone our way in what is a very tough pool, but these next three weeks will gives some players on the fringes an opportunity to stake a claim for a first team jersey moving into the next round of league games.

“Resources have been tested in the first part of this campaign and this time will also allow us to introduce some of the injured players back into group, which will further increase competition for places again.”

When the two sides met in October, Connacht ran out 30-27 winners.

Friday added: “We have the utmost respect for what is a very young Connacht side who did a job on us last month in Galway.

“They showed us what character is required sometimes to win matches but we have learned from that game and when they come to Richmond they will be up against a much different London Scottish side.”

Richmond Card holders can get into this game for £10 (one Clan, standing, ticket per card holder), while Aviva Premiership club season ticket holders can watch for just £5 (one Clan, standing, ticket per season ticket holder).