The Mob return to Elior Champ Rugby action after a three week break under the Friday Night Lights at old-rivals Hartpury University with Head Coach Dave Ward excited for the game and final block of the season “it’s gonna be a big one on Friday night. We didn’t get as much out of the Hartpury home game as we probably should’ve. They’re a good team, they’ve been playing some good rugby and winning lots of games. Richmond unsettled them in tough conditions and we need to go there and get something from the game, not just bonus points, we need wins” said Ward,
The mid-season break has allowed the squad to galvanise and several players return from injury for block four.
Harrison Courtney starts at loose head with Seb Smith at hooker and JV Warren at tighthead. Samoan Tatoa Auvaa is partnered by Tongan international Justin Mataele in the engine room whilst Ward names a familiar back row with Ollie Mullarkey on the blindside, vice-captain Charles Rylands on the open side and Tongan talisman Tino Mapapalangi at number eight.
Luke Davidson returns from England U20 duties and starts at fly half alongside top try-scorer Efan Jones in the half-backs. Captain Fraser Strachan starts at inside centre with Sione Va’enuku outside him. Joe Heslop had impressed before the break and the utility back starts on the left wing this week with Oscar Wilson on the right and Angus Hall at full-back.
Hartpury v Ampthill kicks off at 7:45 on Friday night. Watch live on Clubber TV or follow updates on X @ampthillrufc
The 1st XV return to home action next Saturday when they welcome Richmond FC to The Olney Field. Tickets and hospitality are available at www.ampthillrufc.com
Starting XV
1. Harrison Courtney 2. Seb Smith 3. Jevaughn Warren 4. Totoa Auvaa 5. Justin Mataele 6. Ollie Mullarkey 7. Charles Rylands (vc) 8. Tino Mapapalangi 9. Efan Jones 10. Luke Davidson
11. Joe Heslop 12. Fraser Strachan (c) 13. Sione Vaenuku 14. Oscar Wilson 15. Angus Hall
Replacements
16. Harrison Dakin 17. Rich Barrington 18. James Johnston 19. Kennedy Sylvester 20. Charlie West
21. Reggie Hammick 22. Rory Morgan 23. Josh Barton