Richmond have named a fresh and exciting squad for Friday’s Championship Cup opener against Hartpury University at the Athletic Ground (kick-off 7:30pm – CLICK HERE for £10 tickets).

The squad features a strong mix of experience and talent, with the majority of players having featured for the Richmond Vikings (2nd XV) throughout their impressive league winning season (18 victories from 19 matches).

Powerful number eight Myles Scott will captain Richmond in his 48th first-team appearance. The 31-year-old, who joined the club ahead of the 2013/14 season, said during the week: “I am bristling with pride to lead these boys out. The squad is packed with players who have all performed strongly for the Vikings and now get their opportunity to step up to Championship rugby.”

The forward pack features seven changes to the side that faced Ealing last Saturday. Lock Henri Williams maintains his spot in the second-row, with Sam Collingridge earning a start alongside him. The front-row features the exciting trio of Luke Spring, Callum Torpey and Luke Green. Across the back-row, there’s a second cap for Oscar Waite, while Toby Saysell returns for his 63rd first-team appearance.

The Richmond back-line will no doubt provide plenty of excitement under the Friday night lights. James Lennon returns to the number 9 shirt and will partner talented fly-half Monty Bradbury. The back-three features dynamic French flyer Imad Bouhedjeur (3 caps), former Rotherham and London Scottish winger Ben Robbins (1 cap) and the electric Owain James. Craig Duncan maintains the number 13 shirt, while Josh Walters earns his first Richmond cap. The 27-year-old has been a standout for the Vikings this season following a successful switch from rugby league. Walters represented the London Broncos and scored the match-winning try for Leeds Rhinos in the 2015 Super League final.

On the bench, there’s a special moment for club hooker Matt Goddard who is line to earn his second cap. The agile front-rower last featured in the first-team back in 2018/19 and since been a consistent performer for the Vikings, Saxons (3rd XV) and Normans (4th XV). Elsewhere, South African flanker Graham Geldenhuys and former Loughborough fly-half Tom Ffitch return for their second caps. Former London Scottish flanker Miles Wakeling could also make his Championship debut for Richmond.

CLICK HERE to purchase £10 match tickets. (Tickets available at gate, card payments only).

RICHMOND STARTING XV:

1. Luke Spring

2. Callum Torpey
Sponsor: Yacht Coronel

3. Luke Green
Sponsor: Tony Dorman

4. Henri Williams

5. Sam Collingridge
Sponsor: Colin Holman

6. Oscar Waite

7. Toby Saysell
Sponsor: Mike Martindale

8. Myles Scott (C)
Sponsor: The Horns Syndicate

9. James Lennon
Sponsor: Peter Moore

10. Monty Bradbury

11. Imad Bouhedjeur

12. Josh Walters

13. Craig Duncan
Sponsor: PARiM Limited

14. Ben Robbins

15. Owain James
Sponsor: Anthony Sharp

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Matt Goddard

17. Vaughan Bentley
Sponsor: Alan Dann

18. Ntinga Mpiko
Sponsor: Chris Mills

19. Graham Geldenhuys
Sponsor: James Espey

20. Miles Wakeling

21: Alex Crocker

22: Tom Ffitch

23. Alex Goble
Sponsor: Asson & Walsh London