COVENTRY RFC have named their squad for the third fixture of the RFU Championship season at home to Ampthill.
Alex Rae’s men host bottom of the table Ampthill after being beaten at Jersey Reds last weekend.
Suva Ma’asi replaces club-captain Jordon Poole at hooker, who picked up a knock against Jersey.
Ma’asi is joined in the front row by Toby Trinder and Harry Seward, whilst James Tyas continues his partnership with George Smith in the engine room.
Fred Betteridge, Josh Bainbridge and Senitiki Nayalo form an unchanged back row from last week’s fixture, with openside flanker Bainbridge taking the captain’s armband in place of the injured Poole.
Will Lane accompanies youngster Evan Mitchell in the half-back pairing, whilst Ollie Betteridge and Will Rigg make their Championship debuts and are tasked with providing the creative spark in the midfield.
Louis James, Will Talbot-Davie and Louis Brown make up an exciting backfield trio.
Will Biggs, Ollie Andrews and Jake Bridge are waiting in the wings to bring additional firepower to the front row, with Frankie Read, on-loan from Bath Rugby, and Tom Ball concluding the forward replacements.
Fin Ogden and Pat Pellegrini will be looking to make an impact from the bench, whilst Lucas Titherington will provide cover in the centres and the back three.
Coventry’s squad to play Ampthill
Starting XV: 1. Toby Trinder, 2. Suva Ma’asi, 3. Harry Seward, 4. James Tyas, 5. George Smith, 6. Fred Betteridge, 7. Josh Bainbridge (C), 8. Senitiki Nayalo, 9. Will Lane, 10. Evan Mitchell, 11. Louis James, 12. Ollie Betteridge, 13. Will Rigg, 14. Will Talbot-Davies, 15. Louis Brown
Replacements: 16. Will Biggs, 17. Ollie Andrews, 18. Jake Bridges, 19. Frankie Read, 20. Tom Ball, 21. Fin Ogden, 22. Pat Pellegrini, 23. Lucas Titherington
Coventry host Ampthill on Saturday, September 24 with kick-off at 3pm at Butts Park Arena.
