It’s the second week of the new Greene King IPA Championship, and Americas players will have a role in four of the six matches this weekend. Friday evening’s weekend opener between Nottingham and Yorkshire Carnegie will not.
A pair of Canadians start in separate fixtures on Saturday. It’s a big day for Kyle Baillie who gets his first start for London Scottish, lining up on the blindside flank on the trip to Bedford. Aaron Carpenter continues at No 8 for Doncaster Knights when they host Rotherham Titans at Castle Park.
Americas fans will get a chance to watch three of their own in action when Richmond host Ealing Trailfinders at the Athletic Grounds. Ronnie McLean runs out at inside center for the home team while another USA international Andrew Durutalo plays openside for the visitors. Canadian loosehead prop Djustice Sears-Duru is on the bench for Trailfinders. Kickoff is 3pm local time, 10am Eastern, and will be streamed live on the England Rugby Facebook page and the new official Championship website.
Nicolás de Battista will again skipper Cornish Pirates for their big match against Bristol at the Mennaye on Sunday. Thretton Palamo will not be in the visiting team, he will instead be running out for Bristol United against the Exeter Braves in Aviva ‘A’ league action on Saturday.