Weekend Preview - The Army Men head to France for 'Le Crunch'

Army Men’s Head Coach Lt Col Tim Osman has named a strong-looking side for tonight’s clash with the French Army in Pau (6pm).

Fresh from his hat-trick in the Corps Championship final, Bdr Pete Austin (RA) captains the side from hooker, joined in the front row by fellow Gunner Sgt Scott Westwood and Cpl Stephen Jenkinson.

Behind them are the pairing of Lt Connor Mitchell (R Anglian) and Cpl Sean Beevor (10 QOGLR LAD), while the first of three vice-captains, Sgt Matt Dawson (Int Corps) is joined in the back row by open-side flanker LBdr Nick Murray (RA) and No. 8 Pte Aposai Deucu (RLC att 2 Med).

Cpl Ethan Riley (RLC) and a second vice captain, stand-off Spr Jack Johnson (RE), are the half-backs, with Lt Frank Kelly (AGC (SPS)) and Tpr Levi Roper (QDG) in the centres.

Doncaster Knights ace Rfn Vereimi Qorowale (2 Rifles) starts on the left wing with the third vice-captain, Sgt Connor O’Reilly (7 PARA RHA) on the other flank.

Infantry full-back Pte Adriu Muritoki (Scots) completes the side in the No. 15 jersey.

The replacements are headed by Cpl Epeli Kotobalavu (RLC), SSgt Ash Horner (Rifles) and Sgt Gareth Smith (R Welsh) up front, with further forwards cover coming in the form of Rfn Lekima Ravuvu (Rifles), Gnr Davison (RA) and LCpl Onisivoro Nayagi (R Yorks).

Rfn Vili Salusalu (Rifles) provides impact from scrum-half with the matchday squad rounded out by the versatile Cfn Solodrau Radianirova (REME).

LCpl Curtis Booth (RE) and Pte Olly Butterworth (2 PARA) head to France as Travelling Reserves.

Missing from the squad is LCpl Mikey McDonald, who is on international duty with Germany as they take on Netherlands on Sunday (2.45pm).

The two countries compete in the Rugby Europe Championship fifth-sixth place play-off in Paris, with Germany seeking revenge having lost to their opponents 39-13 in the pool stage.

Back on home turf, LCpl Pita Ratukadreu (REME) returns to the Plymouth Albion side at centre for their National One home game with Richmond.

The hosts have slipped to seventh in the standings after a run of just one win in six, and will be looking for revenge against a side who beat them back in November and who are now two spots higher up the ladder.

Words © Richard Ashton

All images – Alligin Photography © Cat Goryn