Internationals return to strong starting XV as Team Bath’s BUCS Super Rugby home run continues against Northumbria
Team Bath men’s 1st XV are determined to get back to winning ways tonight (Wednesday) when they face Northumbria in the third of four successive BUCS Super Rugby home matches at the University of Bath Sports Training Village.
Kick-off is 6.30pm and admission is free, with the Blue & Gold – sponsored by Fulkers Bailey Russell – keen to put on a good show for the home supporters.
They are boosted by the return of Hong Kong international full-back Paul Altier, who toured Europe with his home nation last month, and centre Max Ojomoh, who has been training with the England U20 squad.
Fellow Bath Rugby Academy player George Worboys is also back at fly-half, where he partners Ed Rimmer on his return from concussion, and Alex Nisbet starts at centre with Sam Kennaugh moving to the wing.
Jordan Martin, who co-captains the team with Rimmer, moves to number 8 and is joined in a new-look back row by John Smith and Tom Williams, making their first starts of the season.
James Fitzmaurice comes in at lock and Rory Mead starts at hooker, partnering Tom Rowland and Simone Elrick in the front row.
Tonight’s team
Team Bath starting XV: 15 Paul Altier, 14 Sam Kennaugh, 13 Alex Nisbet, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Elliot Bancroft, 10 George Worboys, 9 Ed Rimmer (cc); 1 Tom Rowland, 2 Rory Mead, 3 Simone Elrick, 4 James Fitzmaurice, 5 Edoardo Balocco, 6 John Smith, 7 Tom Williams, 8 Jordan Martin (cc). Replacements: 16 George Holroyd, 17 Arthur Cordwell, 18 Will French, 19 George Malone, 20 Jack Kenningham, 21 Jacob Tansey, 22 Tom Pittman, 23 Cal Barrett.
Northumbria starting XV: 15 Marcus Kennedy, 14 Chidera Obonna, 13 Ned Newman, 12 Jonny Ashman, 11 Ollie Smith, 10 Oscar Yandall, 9 Harry Laidler; 1 John Warburton, 2 Joe Lashly, 3 Billy Nicholls, 4 Toby Hodges, 5 Callum Burke, 6 Dave Rufai, 7 Alex Todd, 8 Mike Hoyt. Replacements: 16 George Williams, 17 Jamie Ross, 18 Angus Campbell, 19 Ethan Murry, 20 Will Channing, 21 Tom Broadhead, 22 Robbie Forbes, 23 Lucas Titherington.
Referee: Ieuan Davies.
Assistant referees: Richard Waller, Steve Hambley.
Fourth official: Wayne Davis.
