TEAM NEWS: BOXHALL STARTS AS ONE OF TWO CHANGES

SCRUM-HALF Sam Boxhall goes from the off for Rams against his former club Rotherham Titans in tomorrow’s Christmas fixture against the National One league leaders.

The Royal Air Force No. 9 is one of just two changes to the starting line-up following the 38-24 victory at Leicester Lions last time out.

Boxhall scored 12 tries in 60 appearances during a Covid-interrupted spell in Yorkshire between 2019 and 2023, but claimed his maiden Rams try against Titans in the corresponding fixture back in March.

The Welshman is partnered at half-back by ever-present top point-scorer this season Mike Cooke, the summer signing having racked up 59 points to date (28 conversions and a penalty).

The remainder of the three-quarters remains unchanged, with Reading University alumni Rowan Grundy and Ellis Jones paired in midfield.

November’s Player of the Month Oli Rhoads – fresh from four tries in his past two appearances – is on the left wing, Sweden’s record five-point machine Axel Kalling-Smith on the other flank and Zach Clow at full-back.

Stapley back in second row

Captain Max Hayman, coming off the back of his four-try haul at Lions a fortnight ago, is sandwiched in the front row by Paddy Harris and Ryan Lomas.

The second change to the starting line-up sees experienced Connor Stapley return to the engine room for a 135^th cap, Liam Elston lining up alongside him.

Stapley’s return means Harry Stone switches to the blind-side flank, Aaron Tull moving to the No. 7 jersey as Willo Bicknell rounds out the pack.

Baker and Marris ready to go

Tight-head prop James Baker is back in the matchday squad as he closes on an astonishing 450^th appearance, 448 this time round, with recent centurion Ant Marris also ready to add impetus in the front row.

Dynamic flanker Mikey Duda will aim to bring his usual brand of destruction from the bench, while top try-scorer Morgan MacRae will look to add to his tally of 10 for the campaign at either inside centre or back row.

Completing the squad is scrum-half Ollie Hodgson, who also has fond memories of this fixture having crossed the whitewash last term.