Rosslyn Park v Plymouth Albion

Hours of training, so much preparation and five demanding friendly tests have all led to this – the start of the new season.

We get underway in our 2023-24 National League 1 campaign in London as we face off against Rosslyn Park in London; a tough start awaits.

As tests go, this is a good one to start with as we go up against opponents who will be give us a good idea of where we are going into the remainder of the season – and vice versa of course.

Rosslyn finished fourth in the table last season, pipping us to the line in the closing stages. However, our rise from 11^th to fifth in the pecking order was indicative of a huge step forward, which we are aiming to take into this campaign too.

Our opening visit to the capital this campaign will be followed later in the month by long visits to Bishop’s Stortford and Darlington Mowden Park, so we are embarking on a long old month of rugby as we get the term going.

Last Season’s Meetings:

We exchanged victories with Rosslyn last season, with this weekend’s opponents defeating us 41-32 at The Rock after we saw them off in a 13-10 triumph in soggy conditions at the Brickfields.

Travel:

You will need around four hours to climb up the A38 and the M3 towards London, heading onto Priory Lane and Rosslyn Park’s stadium – The Rock.

Coach travel is available courtesy of our partners over at Albi Travel – please email albitravel@gmail.com for to book your place!

Team News:

Dan Pullinger starts at loosehead prop this weekend, with Jenson Boughton at tighthead for his league debut. Brad Howe is also given a start on his debut for the club, while the returning Sam Daly starts at eight.

Pita Ratukadreu lines up on the left wing, with the returning Shea Cornish starting on the right. Debutant Archie Hill starts at 12.

Tom Cowan-Dickie is on the bench for his return to Nat 1 rugby, while Gabe Mead and Sonny Hirini join him in the replacement pool in their first game with Albion.

The team in full:

1. Dan Pullinger
2. Harry Wilkinson
3. Jenson Boughton
4. Dan Collier
5. Brad Howe
6. Angus Hodges
7. Torin Clarke
8. Sam Daly
9. Jack Oulton
10. Tom Putt
11. Pira Ratukadreu
12. Archie Hill
13. Seta Raumakita
14. Shea Cornish
15. Craig Duncan

Replacements:

16. Tom Cowan-Dickie

17. Ramaz Rukhadze

18. Gabe Mead

19. Phil Jones

20. Sonny Hirini