Harlequins vs Vannes: Marcus Smith scores 22 points in 57-19 Challenge Cup win

Harlequins arrived at the start of their European campaign without a league win to their name, and they left it with nine tries and a 57-19 bonus-point victory over Vannes. Marcus Smith led the way with 22 points, even though he spent a spell in the sin bin.

The Challenge Cup opener was a meeting of two sides with nothing to show from their domestic seasons so far. Quins sit at the foot of the Premiership after losing all three of their league games. Vannes, who won France's second-tier Pro D2 last season, are bottom of the Top 14 after four defeats in four.

Smith's day, yellow card included

The England back scored two tries and added six conversions. That follows the two tries he scored against Sale Sharks on Sunday 11 October 2026, his first appearance of the season.

His afternoon was not spotless, though. The Quins fly-half was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, and Vannes made the most of the extra man: winger Enzo Benmegal scored both of his tries while the home side were down to 14. Wayan De Benedittis got the French club's other try, and Cotormanac'h kicked two conversions.

The pack takes over

Harlequins spread their tries around. Captain Cadan Murley and Will Evans scored two each, and Will Hobson, Sam Riley and Jimmy Staples got one apiece. The forwards took charge late on, scoring four of the last five tries through Riley, Evans with two, and replacement hooker Staples.

Peter Martin of Ireland refereed the match.

The result marks a return to this stage of the competition for Quins, who had not played at this point of the Challenge Cup since 2018. They have won the trophy three times, which equals the record, but not since 2011.

Next up is a Premiership derby at home to Saracens on Sunday 25 October 2026, when Harlequins will be looking for their first league win of the season.