Rob Powell’s men return to the Richmond Athletic Ground on Saturday 1st November for a huge clash against Coventry in Round 5 of The Champ season.

Coventry sit just one place above Richmond heading into the weekend. They claimed their first win in Round 2 against Bedford but have since fallen short in their last two outings. They’ll be looking to rediscover their early rhythm, while Richmond will aim to make home advantage count and build momentum in front of the Richmond faithful.

Coventry have shown their strengths in key areas this season, leading the league for maul penalties won and box kicks made, with Peter Sullivan topping the try charts on six and Josh Thomas among the Champ’s most accurate goal kickers.

Richmond, meanwhile, continue to impress across the park. Powell’s men rank second in the league for offloads and first for total jackals, with George Nugent (October player of the month) a standout in ball-carrying and Callum Grieve perfect from the tee last round as the side maintained a 100% scrum success rate.

With both sides eager to climb the table, Saturday’s meeting promises to deliver another high-intensity Champ clash at the RAG.

Head to Head: Xavier Hastings vs Tom Ball

As we return to the RAG for a big Saturday afternoon clash, focus turns to the back row, where two tireless flankers set the tone for their sides: Xavier Hastings and Tom Ball.

Hastings is now into his third season at the club and has become a key figure in a position packed with competition. The former England U18 and U20 back rower, he brings dynamic physicality on both sides of the ball - aggressive in contact, sharp over the ball and bring plenty of energy in the loose. He featured in three of Richmond’s first four fixtures in the Champ, including a strong showing away at Nottingham last week where he led the tackle count with 13 at a 93% success rate. Still only 24, Hastings relentless work rate and vocal presence makes him an invaluable asset in Richmond’s back-row engine.

Across from him, Ball brings experience and consistency in abundance. He marked his 100th Coventry appearance last week, an impressive milestone at just 23. A product of the Northampton Saints Academy, he is a constant defensive presence and ranks among the league’s best for lineout steals, providing an extra edge to Coventry’s set-piece pressure.

Two flankers who thrive on work rate and physicality, Hastings and Ball have tremendous influence within their respective packs. Expect a fierce contest at the breakdown and in contact as both look to give their side the platform to take control at the RAG.

Why not upgrade your matchday experience with our delicious pre-match hospitality and catch the England vs Australia Autumn Internationals match showing in the Murray Judd bar kicking off at 3:10pm.

Richmond’s famous Family Fireworks Night returns this Sunday. With sell-outs in each of the last three years, it’s set to be a brilliant weekend of rugby, entertainment, and community at the RAG.

First XV (1-15)
1. Chris Freeman - Sponsored by Andrew Gordon
2. Alex Post - Sponsored by Molloy/Barnes/Morgan/McGee
3. Luke Spring - Sponsored by Steve Hardwick
4. Jake Monson - Sponsored by Ollie Quigley
5. George Nugent - Sponsored by Robert Vallings
6. Ethan Benson - Sponsored by Aaron Adams
7. Xavier Hastings - Sponsored by Willie Munday
8. Sam Pim - Sponsored by Molloy/Barnes/Morgan/McGee
9. Alex Schwarz (C) - Sponsored by Simon Barber
10. Callum Grieve - Sponsored by Graham Talling
11. Josh Addams - Sponsored by James Rosa Associates
12. Ronnie Du Randt - Sponsored by James Espey
13. Paddy Case - Sponsored by Geoff Hotten
14. Chidera Obonna - Sponsored by John Heaton
15. Alex O’Meara - Sponsored by Tim Forrester

Replacements
16. Harry Hocking - Sponsored by Charlie Hodge
17. Barnaby Vaughan - Sponsored by Richmond Rugby Community Team
18. Jimmy Litchfield - Sponsored by Molloy/Barnes/Morgan/McGee
19. Miles Wakeling - Sponsored by Nick Preston
20. Jared Cardew - Sponsored by Stewart and Liz Barlow
21. Freddie Charles - Sponsored by Steve Sjostrand
22. Jason Baggott  - Sponsored by Tony Dorman
23. Tololima Savaiinaea - Sponsored by Nicholas Clement-Jones