Richmond have named a strong 23-player squad for tomorrow’s Greene King IPA Championship season opener against Hartpury University RFC (KO 13:15, The Alpas Arena – Click here for live stream tickets).

Steve Hill’s side features more than 450 first-team caps, with eight players in line to make their Richmond debut.

Cameron Mitchell will again captain the squad from outside centre in what will be his 117th first-team appearance, while prop Jonny Harris, lock Freddie Hosking, scrum-half Charlie Gowling and wings Max Trimble and Alex Goble, will make their Richmond debut.

The starting XV also features returns for powerful flanker Jack Allcock (68 caps) and skilful centre Oliver Evans (2 caps) following long-term injuries. Both players performed strongly in the preseason derby against Ealing last Saturday and will be eager to make an immediate impact.

The replacements bench features a further three players set to make their first-team debut with prop Jake Byrne (former Coventry), flanker Hamish Barton (former Old Elthamians) and scrum-half Callum Watson (former Chinnor) selected to add firepower and experience when required.

Director of Rugby Steve Hill, said: “We are very excited by the challenge. The entire squad have trained exceptionally well this week and we have selected a 23 which we believe will give us the best chance of gaining a positive result. Hartpury are always very difficult to face at home, they have experience and depth across all areas and will be determined to start their season strongly.”

Fans can watch the minute by minute coverage via the official live stream. Tickets are just £10 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Hartpury University RFC vs Richmond
Saturday 6th March – KO 13:15

RICHMOND STARTING XV:

1. Jonny Harris - Debut
Sponsor: Anonymous

2. Callum Torpey
Sponsor: Biscay Boys

3. Jimmy Litchfield
Sponsor: Robert Vallings

4. Byron Hodge
Sponsor: Mike Hobbs

5. Freddie Hosking - Debut
Sponsor: Richard Adams

6. Jack Allcock
Sponsor: Paul O’Donnell

7. Toby Saysell
Sponsor: Mike Martindale

8. Jesse Liston
Sponsor: Denise Williams & Bob Scott

9. Charlie Gowling - Debut
Sponsor: Available

10. Tom Hodgson
Sponsor: Chris Mills

11. Max Trimble - Debut
Sponsor: John Heaton

12. Oliver Evans
Sponsor: Peter Moore

13. Cameron Mitchell (C)
Sponsor: Richard Carswell

14. Alex Goble - Debut
Sponsor: Susanna Everton

15. Hamish Graham
Sponsor: Kingsbridge Healthcare Group

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Charlie Gibbings
Sponsor: Martin Fletcher

17. Jake Byrne - Debut
Sponsor: Mike Stobart

18. Kurt Schonert
Sponsor: Peter Moore

19. Max Crawford
Sponsor: Mike Hobbs

20. Hamish Barton - Debut
Sponsor: Dennis Yapp

21. Callum Watson - Debut
Sponsor: Andrew Gordon

22. Dan Kelly
Sponsor: WholeLottaComedy

23. Benjamin Cook
Sponsor: R & C (UK) Limited