A stunning start to the season has kept spirits high around EURFC, and we look to continue that coming into tomorrow’s fixture against Dudley Kingswinford.

However, this week also sees the return of BUCS Super Rugby to the calendar, presenting another problem for Gareth Elliot and the team to consider. This just shows the strength in depth within the club, as look to make it 4 from 4 this weekend.

TOMORROW’S OPPONENTS

Founded initially in 1920 as Bean Football Club, they quickly changed names to the more familiar Dudley Kingswinford in 1927. Now located on the west side of Birmingham, they face the long 4-hour drive down the Devon in what has been a tricky welcome to the 4th tier of English rugby.

Having been promoted to the Midlands Prem in 2021, they quickly found themselves fighting for promotion last season. It came down to the final couple of weekends, playing title rivals Bridgnorth on the penultimate Saturday. A defeat kept things interesting, as Dudley needed a win over struggling Broadstreet. A comfortable bonus point victory secured them the league title by 3 points, achieving promotion to Nat 2 West and the 4th tier for the first time ever.

Key Players

Thomas Walker – A consistent try scorer for Dudley across many years and has continued this year scoring 2 tries in the opening 3 games.

Mark Harrison – A fellow back three player, the fullback impressed in his debut season and will be looking to open his account this season.

Callum Nicholls – The destructive No. 8 is a key part of attack and defence, with his carries and big tackles inspiring the rest of the squad.

TEAM NEWS

With the return of BUCS Super Rugby on Wednesday, Elliot has made plenty of changes in preparation for the Hartpury game. Tom Gulley is the only one made to keep his place in the pack, with George Arnold and Ollie Webb joining him in the front row. Joe Bailey captains in the 2nd row alongside Tirion Bowen. Former Scotland U20 Rob Gordon is at 7 with Ronan Kelly and Connor Triggs making up the back row.

Similarly in the backs, only one remains from the win over Hinckley. He’s not found in the halfbacks as Ollie Byrne and Jack Park both come in. Wimbush, the only survivor, shifts from the wing to 12 to make up the tallest centre partnership in the league alongside Ed Volley. Toby Ferguson and Billy Kucera both make their first appearances on the wing, with Hugo Ellerby starting at fullback.

Plenty of familiar faces on the bench as Ellis Baldry, Archie Alexander, and Archie Rolls provide the front row cover. New man Charlie Bell prepares to make his club debut in the 2nd row, with Ben Potter prepared to cover the entire back line.

We look forward to welcoming Dudley Kingswinford players and fans to Topsham for what is destined to be an exciting top vs. bottom match-up.

If you can’t make it down to Topsham, there will be live updates throughout the match over on our Twitter page (@ExeterUniRFC)