Rugby returns to the Richmond Athletic Ground this weekend as Richmond kick off the second half of the season on home soil. After a two-week break, the squad will be keen to re-establish momentum and get back into Championship action in front of the RAG faithful.

The year began with a major occasion at the Athletic Ground as Richmond hosted London Scottish in Round 13. The long-standing landlords versus tenants rivalry once again delivered, producing a charged atmosphere and a season record crowd packed tightly around the pitch. The fixture continues to grow as one of the league’s most compelling and underlined the strength of rugby at the RAG.

This weekend’s opponents, Caldy, were last faced at the very start of the campaign at Paton Field. Richmond fell narrowly short on that occasion, losing 27–21 but securing a valuable losing bonus point in a closely contested encounter.

Caldy currently sit eighth in the table and arrive in southwest London in confident form, having recorded back-to-back victories against Doncaster and Ampthill. With momentum and belief on their side, they will provide a stern test as the league begins to take shape and Richmond look to start the second half of the season strongly at home.

Head-to-Head: Will Goffey vs Ollie Hearn

The contest at hooker will be an important area of focus at the RAG this weekend, particularly in a fixture expected to be shaped by forward pressure and set-piece accuracy. Will Goffey and Ollie Hearn both play central roles in how their sides look to build territory and control momentum.

For Richmond, Will Goffey provides reliability in the middle of the front row. Solid at the set piece, his accuracy will be key against a Caldy side known for applying pressure on opposition lineouts, particularly inside the 22. Around the park, Goffey’s mobility and quick footwork allow him to stay connected to play, contribute defensively, and support ball carriers through multiple phases.

Goffey has scored four tries this season, including a hat-trick in the last fixture against London Scottish, and will be looking to take advantage of maul opportunities in the Caldy half this weekend.

Across from him, Caldy’s Ollie Hearn brings a clear scoring threat. With nine tries in 13 games, Hearn is firmly in the race for the Championship’s top try scorer and is most dangerous close to the line. Caldy are likely to lean on their scrum and maul, particularly when operating in the Richmond 22, making Hearn a frequent target off the back of driving lineouts.

With Caldy’s forward play expected to feature heavily, this hooker battle could have a direct influence on territory and scoreboard pressure. Goffey’s accuracy and mobility against Hearn’s finishing ability shapes up as a key matchup in a forward-led contest at the RAG.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Under a new partnership, Nyetimber will be served at the Richmond Athletic Ground by both the glass and the bottle, giving players, members and supporters the opportunity to celebrate matchdays, milestones and special occasions with England’s leading sparkling wine. A magnum of Nyetimber will also be presented to the Player of the Match after every Men’s and Women’s first team game. READ MORE