Full-back Mike Brown and second row George Robson were back in the starting XV for Harlequins and Brown was amongst the scorers as they ran out narrow 28-25 victors over Gloucester.

The 27-year-old crossed for his side’s first of three tries at the Stoop while on the other side Ben Morgan, who appeared in all five of England’s RBS 6 Nations clashes this year, impressed until a late sin-binning blotted his copy book somewhat.

But the real star was Freddie Burns who continued his fine form of late despite being overlooked by Lancaster for the autumn internationals.

The fly-half notched 20 points with the boot, kicking six penalties from six to keep the West Country side within touching distance throughout their clash with the defending champions.

In the other top of the table clash Ben Youngs and Anthony Allen both played the full 80 minutes for Leicester Tigers as they edged out Northampton Saints 16-12.

Another player released by Lancaster, Phil Dowson, returned to the back-row for Saints as Calum Clark also made his first Premiership start since his 32-week suspension for breaking Rob Hawkins’ arm.

In the other clash on Saturday Gareth Steenson kicked 16 points as Exeter continued their unbeaten home form with a 33-9 win against Worcester, for whom former England international Andy Goode added three penalties.