Richmond welcome Doncaster Knights to the Richmond Athletic Ground this Friday night for a Round 11 Champ meeting under the lights, closing out the club’s home programme for the calendar year.

Sitting 12th, Richmond host 11th-placed Doncaster in what shapes as a timely and meaningful Christmas clash, with fine margins separating the two sides as the season approaches its midpoint. Friday night fixtures at the RAG have already generated strong atmosphere this campaign, and with this marking the final home outing of the year, the stage is set for an intense and engaged occasion.

Doncaster arrive in southwest London with a clear identity built around a strong, industrious forward pack and sharp tempo off the base. Their ability to generate quick ball and play off the whip has been a key feature of their game, allowing them to apply sustained pressure and stretch defences once momentum builds. Richmond will be well aware of the need for accuracy and physicality under lights against a side capable of controlling key moments.

For Richmond, this fixture represents another opportunity to turn encouraging performances into tangible reward in front of a home crowd that has played a significant role throughout the season. With the table remaining congested, a positive result would provide a timely boost heading into the festive period and further underline the progress within the group.

Supporters attending on Friday can add to the occasion with the Ticket+ option, which remains available in limited numbers. This week’s festive bundle includes a Christmas Yorkshire pudding wrap and a drink, offering a seasonal upgrade to the matchday experience.

With Friday night lights, festive flavour, and the final home game of the year, all elements are in place for a strong Champ occasion at the RAG.

Head-To-Head: Archie Brosch vs Telusa Veainu

Friday Night Lights brings a fascinating contrast across the back three, as Archie Brosch makes his first Champ Rugby start for Richmond on the wing, lining up against one of the league’s most accomplished operators in Telusa Veainu.

Brosch’s selection caps a steady rise since arriving from Newcastle University over the summer. After impressing consistently for the Vikings (2nd XV), he has earned his opportunity at Champ level, contributing off the bench before being handed the starting shirt for the first time this weekend. Naturally a full-back but comfortable anywhere across the back three, the 6ft 3 speedster offers aerial security, strong hands, and the versatility of a true Swiss-army-knife option for the backline. In style, there are similarities to a Liam Williams-type profile: dominant in the air, aggressive in contact, and capable of popping up across the field to influence moments. There’s composure to his game, but also a sharp edge, the sort of player who can pick his moments and, when the opening appears, isn’t afraid to land a telling blow. With Doncaster leading the league for retained kicks, Brosch’s presence from the outset may prove key in contesting the aerial battle.

At the other end of the experience spectrum stands Telusa Veainu. The Tonga international has been one of the Champ’s most dangerous attacking threats this season, topping 100 metres in successive rounds and consistently bending defences with his pace and power. His career pedigree speaks for itself, from Super Rugby titles to Premiership honours, and a standout Rugby World Cup campaign in 2019 where he finished as Tonga’s leading try scorer.

Youth versus experience. Raw ambition against proven class. Under the lights at the RAG, it’s a real backline test.