Richmond head to Nottingham this weekend for Round 4 of The Champ season, with another big Friday night clash under the lights.

After a tough test against reigning champions Ealing Trailfinders last time out, we will be looking to bounce back with a strong showing at The Bay.

There are a few changes to the matchday squad this week, with Alex O’Meara coming into the starting XV on the wing, Langston returning to the squad, and Benson earning a start. Luc Jones will captain the side as they look to deliver a big performance away from home.

Nottingham sit fourth in the table after opening wins over London Scottish and Doncaster Knights, before falling to Caldy in Round 3. They’ve shown plenty of attacking intent in the early rounds and will be aiming to make the most of home advantage.

Head-to-Head: Chidera Obonna vs Harry Graham
As Friday Night Lights return on the road, all eyes will be on the wings as Chidera Obonna and Harry Graham go head-to-head at Lady Bay.

Obonna was Richmond’s second-highest try scorer last season, crossing nine times in just 16 appearances. Explosive and elusive, he’s a constant threat in attack and thrives when the pressure is on. Few moments summed that up better than his 80th-minute winner against second-placed Rotherham Titans last season, sealing a dramatic 31–29 victory at the RAG. Now an established figure in the Richmond backline, the former Newcastle Falcons outside back sits second for ball carries among the backs so far this season. With 32 appearances in old gold, red and black, Obonna continues to bring direct running, energy and intent every time he represents the club.

Opposite him, Graham has been in outstanding form for Nottingham. He ranks second in the Champ for total carry metres this season (297) and averaged 17.7 metres per carry in the latest round, the second-best return in the competition. A homegrown talent and long-serving player, Graham is now in his eighth season with Nottingham, having made 80 appearances and scored 34 tries since his debut in 2018. His consistency and experience have made him a key part of Nottingham’s attacking game.

Two wingers capable of turning a game in a moment, it’s set to be a cracker under the lights at the Bay.

For those unable to make the trip to Nottingham, the match will be livestreamed by Clubber TV. Supporters can also catch all the action from the Club Room at the Richmond Athletic Ground, with coverage on the big screen and the bar open from 6pm.

First XV (1-15)
Chris Freeman - Sponsored by Andrew Gordon
Will Goffey - Sponsored by Chris Mills
Luke Spring - Sponsored by Steve Hardwick
Jake Monson - Sponsored by Ollie Quigley
George Nugent - Sponsored by Robert Vallings
Ethan Benson - Sponsored by Aaron Adams
Jared Cardew - Sponsored by Stewart and Liz Barlow
Xavier Hastings - Sponsored by Willie Munday
Luc Jones (C) - Sponsored by Tony Dorman
Callum Grieve - Sponsored by Graham Talling
Chidera Obonna - Sponsored by John Heaton
James Langston - Sponsored by Patrick Way
Paddy Case - Sponsored by Geoff Hotten
Alex O’Meara - Sponsored by Tim Forrester
Greg Kitson - Sponsored by Mult Box Media Ltd

Replacements
Alex Post - Sponsored by Molloy/Barnes/Morgan/McGee
Barnaby Vaughan - Available to Sponsor
Jimmy Litchfield - Sponsored by Molloy/Barnes/Morgan/McGee
Miles Wakeling - Sponsored by Nick Preston
Sam Pim - Sponsored by Molloy/Barnes/Morgan/McGee
Alex Schwarz - Sponsored by Simon Barber
Jason Baggott  - Sponsored by Tony Dorman
Ronnie Du Randt - Sponsored by James Espey