SEB Reynolds hailed the return of Ryan Lomas as an example of how young players can develop at Rams ahead of tomorrow’s National One trip to Birmingham Moseley (3.30pm).
The former Ireland Under 20s prop recorded his 50th cap in the 61-40 success against Sedgley Park in the final game of last season.
But the Captain’s Player of the Year, who joined the club in 2021, suffered a calf injury in pre-season.
Fit-again now, he comes onto the bench for the trip to Billesley Common.
And Seb said: “Ryan’s a testament to any props who come here and one who has fought for many years.
“He had to bide his time – naturally props develop a bit later.
“But now he’s fit he’s back in the squad at the first opportunity. It probably wouldn’t have been the case in his first couple of seasons.
“But he’s now a very important, senior figure in the squad. And it’s great to have him back.
“And it’s something Sam Stirling can learn from – he’s very unfortunate to miss out after a great start to the season only halted by concussion.
“But he’ll be ready in the weeks to come.”
Rams make a solitary change to the side which beat Rosslyn Park 38-34 in a dramatic clash last Saturday, with Ben Atkins replacing Willo Bicknell as captain and No. 8.
Along with Lomas, though, there are three other changes on the bench.
Half-backs ready to make an impact
Experienced half-backs Ed Hoadley and Darren Atkins, back from a hip impingement, are joined by Bath loanee back row Alex Ridgway.
Along with Lomas, the latter’s first call-up takes the number of players involved in matchday squads to 35 so far.
On the debutant and squad, Seb commented: “Alex had a fantastic season last year for Bath Uni, he’s been very prominent in their Academy and he’s a tough Welsh lad.
“He’s a very pleasant guy whose been fantastic the past couple of weeks in training.
“We’re chuffed to give him an opportunity this weekend.
“We’ve gone through four games, tried plenty of players who’ve done amazingly well, but we felt from last week we want to build a bit of consistency (in the starting line-up).
“The lads put their hand up and there are others who are gutted not to be part of it, but that’s what you need.
“I’ve said it before but in a month, I feel we’ve built some amazing depth through the adversity we’ve had to go through, and it’s a huge positive.”
Swain back from Aussie travels as others close on return
The likes of captain Max Hayman, Dan Swain – returned from Australia this week – Ollie Hodgson, Morgan MacRae, Oli Rhoads and George Tomlinson are also players with first-team caps yet to feature this term.
Summer signing Connor Burns is also waiting in the wings after recovering from a hamstring twinge.
Rams’ recent record in the Midlands has been poor – three consecutive losses to Moseley – with the hosts also winning their opening two home fixtures this term.
But buoyed by the Rosslyn result, the Berkshire Boys head north in buoyant mood for a slightly later kick-off.
The DoR ended: “It’s always a great game – we’ve played Moseley for many years, and we know what to expect when we go there.
“They generate a good crowd, it’s a decent atmosphere and with the later kick-off and a double-header, we’ll embrace it.”
