RAMS make seven changes to the starting line-up for tomorrow’s National One tussle with old rivals Bishop’s Stortford.
Heading the list is blind-side flanker Ben Atkins, who returns from nine months out with a knee injury.
He is joined by Johnny Ireland and captain Willo Bicknell in the back row.
Loose-head prop Paddy Harris is also back from time on the shelf in a completely new front row.
Max Marshall is at hooker after returning from Australia with the club’s record cap holder James Baker on the other side of the scrum.
Liam Saayman, a debutant at Dings off the bench, is partnered by Ollie Stirling in the engine room.
Matt Wickham and stand-off Ross McKay retain their places as half-backs.
Ellis Jones, the stand-out performer last week, and Matt Blee are again in midfield.
Axel Kalling-Smith returns from a hamstring niggle for a first start of the campaign on the left wing.
And former Mini Theo Pett-Ridge completes an incredible journey on the other flank.
Darren Atkins completes the side at full-back.
Five substitutes will be selected from the following six players.
JJ Wozniak and Ant Marris are the replacement props, while fit-again Mikey Duda is set for a maiden outing of the campaign off the bench.
Teenage scrum-half Arthur Garfield debuted on the wing as injuries hit in Bristol last time out and keeps his place in the squad.
Last season’s top points-scorer Mike Cooke can cover No. 9, 10 or 15 against his former club.
Finally Reading University and Berkshire Under 20s powerhouse Isaac Tokura would become the 29th player to represent the side in the opening three weeks of the season.
The centre has put in a series of outstanding displays and earns a maiden call-up among the replacements.
Hooker Harry Bicknell – fresh from a hat-trick at Brunel University for the Under 23s on Wednesday – is one of two travelling reserves.
Second row Paddy Jackson is the other as Rams seek a first win of the campaign.
Rams Team v Bishop’s Stortford
(15-9, 1-8) D Atkins, Pett-Ridge, Blee, Jones, Kalling-Smith, McKay, Wickham; Harris*, Marshall*, Baker*, Saayman, Stirling, B Atkins, Ireland, W Bicknell ©
Replacements: Marris*, Wozniak*, Duda, Garfield, Tokura
Travelling Reserves: H Bicknell, Jackson
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