Richmond head to Penzance this weekend for a Round 7 clash with Cornish Pirates, a tough away trip against one of the early pace-setters in the Championship. Pirates sit fourth after a strong opening block and will be fresh after a week off, which may give them an edge in recovery and preparation on home turf.

Richmond arrive in Cornwall carrying real momentum. Back-to-back wins over Cambridge and Hartpury have lifted the side to tenth and confidence is high across the group. The recent upturn has been built on accuracy, work rate and a pack that continues to grow in presence at set-piece and contact.

Pirates, though, will be a serious test. Their consistent form across the first block has kept them within reach of the top three and they have been especially sharp at home. Richmond will need to match that tempo and bring the same intensity that has fuelled their two-game streak.

With a strong run of form behind them and a chance to climb further up the table, Richmond travel to Penzance targeting another step forward on the Champ ladder.

Head to Head: Connor Slevin vs Matty Ward

As we travel to Penzance to face Cornish Pirates, one of the key tactical battles will unfold in the back three, where debutant Richmond full-back Connor Slevin goes up against one of the Champs' most dangerous finishers in Matty Ward.

Slevin arrives at the RAG on loan from Harlequins and is set to make his Richmond debut this Saturday, adding genuine Premiership-level quality to the backfield. Comfortable at both fly-half and full-back, the England U20 international brings composure, game intelligence and tactical control to Richmond’s shape. He made his senior Harlequins debut in the 2022/23 Premiership Rugby Cup and gained valuable Champ Rugby exposure last season on loan at Chinnor.

Renowned for his tactical awareness and kicking control, Slevin’s skill set aligns closely with Richmond’s recent territorial dominance, having led the league for kicks in play (47) and kick metres (1,436) last round. He also carries a reputation for nerve under pressure, highlighted by his match-saving, last-minute 45-metre penalty for Chinnor against Hartpury last season. Richmond gains a composed organiser from the back, capable of controlling space, tempo and territory.

Opposite him, Ward is arriving in outstanding form. The Cornish Pirates winger was the standout player across the Champ last weekend, scoring a hat-trick and producing five clean line breaks to earn Player of the Week honours. The 23-year-old joined the Pirates in the summer from Gloucester, having also spent time with Newcastle and Hartpury. Blessed with electric pace and sharp footwork, Ward is a ruthless finisher who thrives in broken-field situations. Pirates reinforced that threat last round, leading the league for line breaks and ranking among the top sides for carry metres out wide.

A composed Premiership-level organiser at full-back against one of the league’s most explosive wide threats. Slevin’s control from deep versus Ward’s strike power on the edge shapes as one of the defining contests in what promises to be a fierce test in Penzance.