Match Preview
Richmond kicks off the 2024 leg of the season this weekend, a week earlier than originally planned, as we squeeze in the rescheduled round 12 fixture against Birmingham Moseley that was postponed from December due to frozen pitches. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm. For travelling supporters, match tickets are available for purchase through this link: Birmingham Moseley v Richmond. For those unable to make the trip, minute-by-minute coverage will be provided on X (formerly known as Twitter) at RichmondFC1861.
Head Coach Rob Powell has made six rotations to the squad following the dramatic win over local rivals Rosslyn Park.
In the forwards, Luke Spring and Captain Alex Post are joined by Archie Maggs, making his return to the team sheet for the first time since last season. Maggs brings experience gained in Australia over the summer. The engine room remains unchanged, with Monson and Murphy aiming to dominate the line-out. In the back-row, Miles Wakeling earns a start after an electric performance off the bench in the last round. Youngster Harry Breeze retains the 7 jersey, and veteran Mark Bright returns to the back of the scrum.
Powell maintains consistency in the back-line, with Luc Jones and Alex Burrage directing play at half-backs, supported by the powerful centre partnership of Hitchcock and Cheeseman. Last round's try-scorer Will Kaye starts on the left wing, Chidera Obonna injects pace from the right, and Alex O’Meara brings his electric footwork at full-back.
Richmond faces challenges in the front row, with Jimmy Litchfield, Conor Maguire, and Ntinga Mpiko all unavailable due to injury.
In response to the injury crisis, Powell opts for a 2/3 split on the bench. New front-row signing Garin Lloyd, on loan from neighbour London Scottish, joins the squad. Last season’s Player of the Year, David Massey, returns after recovering from an early-season injury.
Matt Marsh comes in as the scrum-half replacement to inject energy into the match. Ted Landray provides flair and versatility, covering 10, 12, and 15. Hamish Graham, a towering and hard-carrying winger, completes the matchday 20.
Sam Glossop acts as the traveling reserve, covering the front row. Glossop has impressed the coaching group with appearances in the Vikings, Saxons, and even the Normans this season.
First XV (1-15)
1. Luke Spring – Sponsored by Steve Hardwick
2. Alexander Post © - Sponsored by Andrew Gordon
3. Archie Maggs – Available to sponsor
4. Jake Monson – Sponsored by Ollie Quigley
5. Max Murphy – Sponsored by Toni Judd
6. Miles Wakeling – Sponsored by Colebrook Offshore
7. Harry Breeze – Available to sponsor
8. Mark Bright – Sponsored by Graham Talling
9. Luc Jones – Sponsored by Tony Dorman
10. Alex Burrage – Sponsored by 213kg.com
11. Will Kaye – Sponsored by Noble Day Associates
12. Tom Hitchcock – Sponsored by Table Twenty
13. Henry Cheeseman – Sponsored by Denise Williams & Bob Scott
14. Chidera Obonna – Sponsored by John Heaton
15. Alex O’Meara – Sponsored by Tim Forrester
Replacements
16. Garin Lloyd– Available to sponsor
17. David Massey– Sponsored by Tim Mott
18. Matt Marsh – Sponsored by Chris Banks
19. Ted Landray – Sponsored by Caroline Habberfield
20. Hamish Graham – Sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital
TR Sam Glossop – Available to Sponsor