DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds is hoping for a fantastic Friday Night as his side host leaders Richmond in a top-of-the-table clash this evening (7.45pm).

An intriguing battle is on the cards between two sides who both have 10 wins and 49 points, Richmond ahead due to having an extra draw, with a record-breaking Old Bath Road crowd expected for the biggest fixture of the National One season to date.

Seb began: “It’s a very exciting game and one we’re looking forward to – I’m sure Richmond are too.

“It’s set-up as a top-of-the-table clash and one people are interested in, both teams will be all out to win, but there’s also a greater purpose of promoting the sport.

“As an organisation we always put rugby first, we’re livestreaming it to promote the league and its’ product, and I’m sure both sides will put on a fantastic show.”

He continued: “Richmond are a serious side playing solid rugby, dangerous in all departments – they’re good in both the pack and the back line.

“They’ve not lost this year and we’ve got a quality side coming to Old Bath Road, so it should be a good contest.”

Rams make six changes to the side which lost for the first time at Rotherham Titans last time out, Robbie Stapley taking over the captaincy and moving into the second row in the absence of Max Hayman and Nile Dacres.

And Seb joked: “He’s outstanding. If I’d asked him to do it 10 years ago, I might have got a different response – it might have been two words and hang up the phone – but at this stage of his career, when he’s playing fantastically and having such a strong season, he said he’ll do anything for the side and I’ve no doubt he’ll produce again.”

The other changes see Morgan MacRae make his first start at hooker, joined in the front row by Paddy Harris and James Baker, the props stepping up from the bench.

Among the three-quarters, the same is true of scrum-half Jake Murray and full-back Andrew Lamb, the latter meaning Zach Clow switches to the wing.

Commenting on the two first-time starters, the DoR said: “Morgan’s been brilliant – he’s been patient in waiting for his opportunity and he gets it tonight.

“He’s an exciting player and we’ve loved seeing the way he’s come on and do what he does, while Andrew’s been very calm and assured with what he brings to the group.

“He’s grown in confidence and fully deserves the chance.”

There are also three players making their first league appearances of the campaign off the bench, fit-again Ben Atkins and back row colleague Mikey Duda joined by Hartpury loanee scrum-half Kyle McGhie.

Seb revealed: “Ben’s been top class in the way he’s recovered, and it was brilliant to see him back on the training park in his first session – he looked like normal straight away.

“He’s trained well over the past month and it’s great to welcome him back into the group.
“He’ll be a bundle of energy alongside Mikey Duda whose an absolute dynamo. He’s been knocking on the door for so long and those two are an exciting pair.

“We had a nice chat with Kyle in the summer and while it didn’t pan out, it’s wonderful to welcome him on loan.

“He made a big impact on Monday, trained well, seems an intelligent guy and he’s got a good solid base to build on, so it will be great to see him in a Rams shirt.”

With ticket sales beyond anything seen previously, Seb saved his final words for the supporters on what should be an historic night.

He ended: “We can’t wait for a big crowd. We’re always well-supported and people see it’s been built from the local area, which is wonderful. Hopefully it will be a fantastic Friday night.”

To book tickets for what should be an epic tussle, click here