Cambridge Rugby Head Coach Richie Williams has named his side to face Ealing Trailfinders in round three of the Championship on Saturday afternoon. The squad includes a starting spot for the Hoppe brothers who will make history as the first siblings to represent Cambridge in the Championship.
“We are also pleased to announce the signing of front row forward, Huw Owen who joins us from Jersey Reds. He joins at a time where it is critical that we manage the loads of some of our other props, who have played a lot of minutes over the past few months.” commented Williams.
Despite suffering another loss last weekend, at home to Doncaster Knights, Williams’ focus on the season ahead is still positive:
“We enter our final fixture of the opening block of our maiden Championship season and have quickly realised the significant difference between the semi-professional and professional teams at this level.”
“Last weekend, we suffered a heavy home loss to an impressive and physical, fully professional Doncaster Knights team. Granted, we were clearly not at our best, but I must acknowledge how efficient and effective the opposition were.”
“When we talk about progress and growth of individuals in our team, we have probably shifted our focus slightly to more of a longer-term vision, with the luxury of there being no relegation. This decision has allowed us to give more game time to some of our younger players, who we believe will become future centurions at the club.”
“To punctuate this point, we have selected 1923’s winger Clark McFarlane in our match day squad this weekend, off the back of some consistency and application at training with the 1st XV. He is a player that has come through our mini and junior section and someone we believe has huge potential. He will gain a massive amount from Saturday’s experience against Ealing.”
McFarlane completes the 23-man squad set to face Ealing at Vallis Way on Saturday afternoon with the match kicking off at 3pm.
The blood and sand side return home to Ellgia Fields on Saturday 18 November where they welcome Hartpury University for a 2pm kick off. Tickets to the clash are on sale now.
Cambridge line up:
15| Eli Caven
14| Matt Williams
13| Sam Hanks
12| Tom Hoppe
11| Joe Green
10| Jamie Benson
9| Kieran Duffin
1| Jake Ellwood
2| Morgan Veness
3| Billy Walker
4| Kieran Frost
5| Geordie Irvine
6| Benji Hoppe
7| Ben Adams ©
8| Anthony Maka
Replacements:
16| Willie Priestley
17| Huw Owen
18| Matty Collins
19| Matt Dawson
20| Jared Cardew
21| Toby Dabell
22| Steffan James
23| Clark MacFarlane