Saturday marks Round 3 of our National League West campaign, with another away day fixture. For the first time in the English leagues, we will be facing Loughborough University. It’s a rivalry that runs deep, with significant history between the sides. This will be a match up that you won’t want to miss!

Following on from last weekend’s emphatic 42-29 win at Topsham, the squad will be looking to carry on the momentum into this weekend.
After a narrow defeat in the opening round Loughborough struck back last week in a high scoring game against Stourbridge. However, this will be Loughborough’s first game at home, so everything points towards a classic encounter

Team News:

Following an excellent win last weekend at Topsham it’s another strong squad that makes the long trip up with seven changes being made to the starting XV.

There’re four changes in the pack, with Scott Butterworth coming in at hooker, and alterations to both flanker positions with Lucas Dorrell shifting to blindside and Ross Vintcent coming in for his first league appearance at openside. Another change of note is Todd Muil at second-row, after impressing off the bench last weekend.

In the backs, there are three changes with Chester Ribbons getting his first league start at outside centre. Benjy Joseland moves from the wing to full back replacing Max Bliss, whilst last week’s flying finisher Kofi Barton-Bayfield gets his first league start of the season on the wing.
On the bench there’s potential first league involvements of the season for Oliver Webb, Benn Grubb and Tom Gulley.

Tomorrow's Opponents:

Last season saw Loughborough Students finished in the bottom half of the National League 2 North. However, after an opening loss away at Clifton they had a high scoring win themselves last week away against Stourbridge.
Loughborough Students, alongside EURFC, have a rich history at university level. After several poor seasons in BUCS Super Rugby, they bounced back last season with a fourth-place finish. With a large number of the squad remaining this season, there’ll be looking to push on again.
Their National 2 West involvement allows them to guarantee gametime for a large number of their HPP squad, in the same fashion as EURFC.
It was one win apiece last season in BUCS Super Rugby. Who will come out on top tomorrow afternoon?

Opposition Players to Watch:

Dan Eckersley - Flanker: Eckersley put in a series of starring performances last season for Loughborough in both National 2 and BUCS. His all-action style of game will mean that he will be a difficult customer at the breakdown.

Tobias Munday - Number 8: Another backrow, but another who could cause considerable damage around the park. A strong Loughborough pack is rounded off by Munday at number 8, who will look to carry hard and direct into contact.

Getting Here:

Car: If travelling from Exeter, take the M5 and filter onto the M42 and then A42. From there, pick up the A512 into the Loughborough Campus, where parking will be available.