Richmond return home this Friday night with renewed energy after an impressive performance at Cambridge last weekend. Scoring a club-record points (5-54) total in the Champ was not just a much-needed result, it was a strong reflection of the hard work and belief that has been building throughout the squad.

It followed a run of narrow early-season contests, in which Richmond’s physicality and structure were evident, even if the final scoreline didn’t always reflect the level of performance. Last Saturday showed what can happen when execution and consistency align, and now there’s an opportunity to continue that growth.

Richmond remain in 12th position, but sit just one point behind Ampthill and have created clear daylight from Cambridge and London Scottish below. With plenty of rugby still to play, momentum feels within reach.

This weekend also marks a special milestone for George Nugent, who will earn his 50th cap for the club. Nugent has been a consistent force this season, leading the league with 9 total turnovers won. And ranks 5th in the league with five tries to his name – a true clubman and ever-reliable presence in the pack.

This Friday, under the lights. In front of our supporters. It's going to be good!

THE OPPOSITION: HARTPURY RFC

Hartpury arrive with confidence of their own. Their four wins from six put them firmly in the league’s top half, with their only defeats coming against established contenders Ealing and Bedford.

A young and ambitious group, Hartpury have excelled in the kicking battle this season, leading the league in kicking metres, allowing them to control territory and play in the right areas of the field. They ask a lot of questions in transition and will undoubtedly provide a well-organised, disciplined challenge.

Head-to-head - Tololima Savaiinaea vs Robbie Smith

As Richmond returns to the RAG for Friday Night Lights, attention turns to the centre channels, where two influential players will play a pivotal role: Tololima Savaiinaea and Robbie Smith.

Savaiinaea returned to the starting XV last weekend at inside centre, delivering a commanding performance in Richmond’s 5-54 victory over Cambridge. He topped the team for ball carries (14) and dominant tackles (73% success rate), demonstrating his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. Having broken into the First XV halfway through last season, Lima quickly established himself as a versatile and physical presence in Richmond’s centre partnership. Known for his direct running lines, explosiveness, and agility, he is equally effective at making line breaks and imposing himself defensively, making him an incredibly useful tool in Rob Powell’s midfield arsenal.

Opposite him, Robbie Smith brings experience, guile, and a wealth of Champ Rugby knowledge to the midfield. A Hartpury University product, Smith has developed through the AASE and BUCS system, with spells at Doncaster Knights and Worcester Warriors before returning to Hartpury this season. The inside centre recently celebrated 100 appearances for Hartpury. Smith’s game combines intelligent positioning, line-breaking ability, and reliable distribution, making him a steadying presence in Hartpury’s midfield. Rugby runs in his blood as well, with his father Ian Smith, captaining Gloucester and playing internationally for Scotland at Flanker in the 1980s and 90s.

Two centres with contrasting strengths: Savaiinaea, a destructive ball carrier and defensive disruptor, against Smith, an experienced operator and playmaker. Their battle in the middle of the park under the Friday night lights could prove decisive in shaping the outcome at the RAG.

Matchday Timings
17:00 - Bar, BBQ, Canteen and Hospitality opens
18:00 - Ticket+ Opens
19:45 - Richmond Rugby vs Hartpury
20:25 - Half time
21:20 - Full time