Despite a plethora of incomings during the off-season, there is a settled look to the opening line-up, captain Max Hayman sandwiched by last-season’s ever-present Paddy Harris and Ryan Lomas in the front row as Connor Stapley and Harry Stone pack down behind them.
Former Bristol Bears Academy man Aaron Tull is joined by fellow first-time starter Willo Bicknell in the back row, tough-tackling Mikey Duda completing the forwards on the open-side flank in what is a dynamic new group following the retirements of the legendary Tom Vooght, James McRae and the club’s record-breaking try-scorer Robbie Stapley.
Cooke eyes perfect recipe
Royal Air Force No. 9 Sam Boxhall is partnered by the third debutant in the ranks, ex-Bishop’s Stortford man Mike Cooke at half-back as they look to get an exciting three-quarter line-up purring.
Hooker-turned-inside-centre Morgan MacRae goes from the off as fellow Welshman Ellis Jones partners him in midfield, Sweden captain Axel Kalling-Smith starting on the left wing following his sensational solo score at Taunton Titans a fortnight ago.
Oli Rhoads’ outstanding pre-season performances have secured the former Newbury youngster a spot on the other flank, while last season’s top try-scorer, Zach Clow, rounds out the 15 looking to build on a superb career record at OBR which has him on 33 tries in 50 games.
Marris ready for league return
Ant Marris could win a 96th first-team cap if he comes on the bench having shown tremendous resilience in coming back from his elbow injury, while summer recruit George Breese has shown up well in his early outings and will look to add further impetus.
Fresh from raising more than £500 by climbing Mount Snowdon recently, Ben Atkins is the other forwards replacement.
Meanwhile the versatile Andrew Lamb – who has shown his quality at both fly-half and full-back since arriving at Old Bath Road back in 2024 – is joined by Young Player of Last Season, scrum-half Ollie Hodgson, in the matchday 20.
The travelling reserves are ex-Swansea University prop Max Marshall, second row Liam Elston and Polish international wing Tomek Pozniak.
Rams Team @ Sedgley Park
(15-9, 1-8) Clow, Rhoads, Jones, MacRae, Kalling-Smith, Cooke, Boxhall; Harris, Hayman ©, Lomas, Stapley, Stone, Tull, Duda, Bicknell
Replacements: Marris, Breese, Atkins, Lamb, Hodgson
Travelling Reserves: Marshall, Elston, Pozniak
