photo: Doncaster Knights

RFU Championship – Round 3 Preview

With some players still working their way back from injury and others getting acquainted with their new clubs there’s perhaps fewer Americas players in action this weekend than is ideal as the Greene King IPA Championship enters its third week. That said there are still seven named to match day squads with another set for Aviva ‘A’ League duty.

Friday’s only match sees Nicolás de Battista as captain of the Cornish Pirates when they sail to Jersey to face the Reds at St. Peter. Canadian duo Brett Beukeboom and Matt Evans are still on the sidelines while Nicolás Coronel is yet to make his competitive debut.

Justin Blanchet returns from injury sustained in pre-season to make an appearance on the Bedford Blues bench on Saturday when they travel to Ealing. Lining up for the Trailfinders is only one Americas player this week with Andrew Durutalo retained on the flank and Djustice Sears-Duru given the week off.

A pair of North American roommates will be on the London Scottish bench against Nottingham. Versatile Canadian Kyle Baillie covers second row while US Eagles tighthead prop Dino Waldren is set to make his Championship debut as a replacement.

Sunday will see semi-pro Richmond with Ronnie McLean in the midfield up against the mighty Bristol. Thretton Palamo will not go head-to-head with his fellow Eagles international, instead he is once again enlisted in the Aviva ‘A’ League against Premiership reserve side Bath United on Saturday.

Lastly Aaron Carpenter continues his control over the No 8 jersey for Doncaster Knights. They will head just up the road to Headingley for a derby match against Yorkshire Carnegie on Sunday.

About Americas Rugby News

Formally created in June 2015, this website's goal is to increase media exposure of the Tier 2 rugby nations, and create a hub with a focus on the stories of rugby in the Americas - North, Central and South.

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