Richmond have named an exciting 23-player squad for Saturday’s Championship opener against Cornish Pirates at the Mennaye Field (KO 1:30pm).

The squad features a strong mix of experience and new talent, with a combined total of 429 caps and six players set to make their First XV debut. The new recruits include flanker Jared Cardew, number eight Mark Bright, wing Will Homer, fullback James Kane, prop Ntinga Mpiko and flanker Jack Rouse.

The forward pack remains largely unchanged following impressive preseason victories against Ampthill and London Scottish. The notable changes include Freddie Hosking replacing the unavailable Will Carrick-Smith at second-row, and powerful flanks Huw Worthington and Jared Cardew earning first-team starts. The vastly experienced Mark Bright (former London Scottish) features at number eight and will make his 182nd Championship appearance.

In the backs, Charlie Gowling wears the number 9 shirt, combining with fly-half and sharpshooter Ted Landray. The electric pairing of Will Homer and Max Trimble start on the wings and will form a lethal back-three partnership with James Kane. The centre combo features Ronnie Mclean (95 caps) and first-team skipper Cameron Mitchell (123 caps).

On the bench, there’s plenty of front-row firepower with hooker Jack Musk, experienced prop Kurt Schonert and debutant Ntinga Mpiko (former Lansdowne RFC). While new recruit Jack Rouse will look to make an immediate impact in his first league fixture for Richmond. The replacements backs include the ever reliable Lewis Dennett and utility pairing Jake Caddy and Hamish Graham.

Head Coach Rob Powell said: “Facing Cornish Pirates on their home deck is always difficult but we’re hugely motivated to challenge ourselves and deliver a very strong performance. We have been impressed with our mentality and improvement throughout preseason and we’re excited to see how our squad responds against quality opposition.”

Match tickets remain on sale for tomorrow’s fixture, click here to purchase. Alternatively, supporters can click here to purchase live stream tickets. For minute by minute coverage follow @RichmondFC1861 on Twitter.

Tickets are now on sale for Richmond’s home fixture against Nottingham at the Athletic Ground on Saturday 25th September (KO 3pm). Click here to pre-purchase your tickets.

RICHMOND MEN 1ST XV:

1. Jonny Harris
2. Callum Torpey
3. Jimmy Litchfield
4. Freddie Hosking
5. Sam Collingridge
6. Huw Worthington
7. Jared Cardew
8. Mark Bright

9. Charlie Gowling
10. Ted Landray
11. Will Homer
12. Ronnie Mclean
13. Cameron Mitchell (C)
14. Max Trimble
15. James Kane

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Jack Musk
17. Kurt Schonert
18. Ntinga Mpiko
19. Byron Hodge
20. Jack Rouse
21. Lewis Dennett
22. Jake Caddy
23. Hamish Graham

CORNISH PIRATES:

1. James Kenny
2. Tom Channon
3. Patrick Schickerling
4. Josh Caulfield
5. Danny Cutmore
6. Matt Bolwell
7. Will Gibson
8. Tom Duncan (C)

9. Ruaridh Dawson
10. Arwel Robson
11. AJ Cant
12. Shae Tucker
13. Tommy Wyatt
14. Callum Sirker
15. Carwyn Penny

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Marlen Walker
17. Jack Andrew
18. Alfie Petch
19. Cory Teague
20. John Stevens
21. Alex Schwarz
22. Harry Bazalgette
23. Rory Parata