Rob Powell’s men start their 2024/25 National League 1 campaign with a trip to The Utilita for ‘The Big Match 2’ against Blackheath in Round 1 of National League 1, kicking off at 3pm.

The last time these sides met was back in the 160th anniversary clash in March and Richmond came out 22-13 winners and will be looking to start their campaign with a win.

For those unable to make the game, coverage will be provided on X (formerly known as Twitter) RichmondFC1861. Tickets are still available, please click here to buy.

There are eight new signings in the match-day squad and five in the starting XV who will be making their Richmond debuts.

In the pack, new signing Theo Bevacqua starts at loose-head prop. Callum Torpey starts at hooker and Luke Spring is at tight-head prop. In the engine room Jake Monson and George Nugent pair up. In the back row, Ethan Benson is at blindside flanker, Toby Saysell is at openside flanker and new signing Sam Pim is starting at No. 8.

In the backline, new signing Alex Schwarz from Cornish Pirates starts at scrum-half and Lewis Dennett pulls the strings at fly-half. David Massey captains the side at inside centre and Sam Dardis makes his debut at outside centre. Chidera Obonna and Alex O’Meara start on the wings and new signing Callum Grieve starts at full-back.

On the bench are new signings Will Goffey and prop Christian Freeman covering the front row. Henry Wills acts as back row cover. Matt Marsh is the scrum-half replacement and Sam Smith covers the wing.

First XV (1-15)

1. Theo Bevacqua – Sponsored by Lynda Quigley
2. Callum Torpey – Sponsored by Molloy / Barnes / McGee
3. Luke Spring – Sponsored by Steve Hardwick
4. Jake Monson – Sponsored by Ollie Quigley
5. George Nugent – Sponsored by Ian Hart
6. Ethan Benson – Sponsored by Aaron Adams
7. Toby Saysell – Sponsored by Liz & Stewart Barlow
8. Sam Pim – Sponsored by Molloy / Barnes / McGee
9. Alex Schwarz – Sponsored by Simon Barber
10. Lewis Dennett – Sponsored by Mermaid Gin
11. Chidera Obonna – Sponsored by John Heaton
12. David Massey © - Sponsored by Tim Mott
13. Sam Dardis – Sponsored by Andy Cuthbert
14. Alex O’Meara – Sponsored by Tim Forrester
15. Callum Grieve – Sponsored by Willie Munday

Replacements

16. Will Goffey – Sponsored by Chris Mills
17. Christian Freeman – Sponsored by Andrew Gordon
18. Henry Wills – Sponsored by Metatrak
19. Matt Marsh – Sponsored by Chris Banks
20. Sam Smith – Sponsored by Tony Head