RFU Championship – Round 8 Preview

After a week’s vacation the Greene King IPA Championship is back in full swing with a full slate of games spread between Friday and Sunday. Some Americas players are already away on international duty but there are a few left who haven’t yet joined up with their teams.

Doncaster traveled to Richmond on Friday and were upset 26-22 by their hosts. The Knights featured US Eagles lock Nick Civetta and Canadian No 8 Aaron Carpenter in their lineup, while the victorious home side had USA cap Ronnie McLean at inside center.

London Scottish were also on the wrong end of a result on Friday, dropping their match 20-15 to Jersey Reds on the island. Kyle Baillie is away with Canada but USA prop Dino Waldren came off the bench. He’ll join the Eagles during the coming week.

Bristol host Rotherham Titans at Ashton Gate on Saturday. It’s a mixed lineup with several first choice players left on the bench including Argentine tighthead Gastón Cortes. Former UBC flanker Sam Jeffries starts on the blindside.

Sunday’s match sees Hartpury travel to the Mennaye to play Cornish Pirates. Brett Beukeboom misses out with injury and Matt Evans isn’t quite ready for action so it’s former Pumas 7s standout Nicolás Coronel who will represent the Americas in the Pirates midfield.