The Welsh flanker, who made his National One debut at Plymouth Albion 11 days ago, is an all-action ex-Reading University captain.
A former South West Under 20s selection, he scored for the Development XV at British Army in their previous game.
The open-side is one of plenty of back rows named for the OBR showdown.
Former two-time Colts OBB Division One title-winning skipper Aaron Preston was excellent for Berkshire Under 20s in their victory against Dorset & Wilts.
In the same game, No. 8 Olly Marsh was a try-scorer and fellow Reading Uni man Jacob Kyte in action.
Phil Poppy and Will Burrows are further options also capable of playing further forward in the pack.
In the second row, Paddy Jackson has featured seven times for the first XV this term.
Former London Irish pathway player Ollie Agar returns from Cardiff Met university as another top talent, with Seb Burgess having caught the eye in previous Dev XV and U23 outings.
Ex-Bath U18 Stan Muigai is another versatile option among the back five.
A front row all with National One experience are at the head of the pack, with props Max Marshall and George Breese involved in Saturday’s 71-38 success against Leicester Lions.
Hooker Harry Bicknell is the leading try-scorer for the Development XV this season.
Mannhardt hopes to repeat RAF trick
Loughborough Uni and former Colt Louis Roumignac is likely to start at scrum-half, with Andrew Lamb and James Gilman both solid options at No. 10.
Recent first-team centurion Ellis Jones leads a trio of strong ball-carrying centres alongside the youthful duo of Jake Jackson and Isaac Tokura.
And there is pace-a-plenty in the back three.
Sevens speedster Sam Bowen, Alex Mannhardt – who scored a stunning solo effort in the pre-Christmas 47-17 RAF win – and Ethan Bassett are all lively wings.
And another former Colt, Theo Pett-Ridge, has been a regular at full back this term.
He is also able as a fly-half or in the centres.
Entry for tonight’s game is free, with food and drink on sale.
Gates open at 6pm.
Development XV v Royal Air Force
Forwards: Agar, Bicknell*, Breese*, Burgess, Burrows, P Jackson, Judd, Marshall*, Kyte, Marsh, Muigai, Poppy, Preston
Backs: Bassett, Bowen, Gilman, J Jackson, Jones, Lamb, Mannhardt, Pett-Ridge, Roumignac, Tokura
