James Stephenson will make his London Scottish debut tomorrow when they take on Moseley at Richmond Athletic Ground.
Hooker Stephenson is dual registered with Bristol and impressed enough in a game for Scottish’s academy last week to go straight into the side.
Fellow new signing Lewis Ludlow, who is dual registered with Gloucester, will start on the bench after the back-row forward made his mark in training.
Backs coach Peter Richards said: “Lewis has come to training a couple of times over the past week or so and has been impressive, so we thought it was a good opportunity to give him a go from the bench.
“He can cover the whole back-row for us and his performances for Gloucester in the LV=Cup recently were excellent.
“We have good stock in the back-row but with Neil Best and Chevvy Pennycook injured it’s a chance for Lewis this week.
“I saw James play for our Senior Academy against the Army last week and he had a good game.
“He goes straight into the team and brings solidity to our tight five.”
Gregor Gillanders returns to the starting XV at open side flanker with James Phillips moving to the second row and Adam Preocanin dropping to the bench.
One front row change sees prop Max Maidment replace Ben Prescott.
In the back division, Lee Millar makes his first start since November at full-back with Peter Lydon moving to stand-off in place of the suspended Dan Newton.
Mike Doneghan has been named on the bench and could make his first appearance for the team since September.
“We signed Pete Lydon as a midfield back in the summer but due to the injuries to Errie Claassens and Jim Thompson he has filled in at full-back,” continued Richards.
“He gets the chance in his preferred position up front and has looked good in training.
“He is different to Dan Newton and can offer different threats to Moseley.
“Lee Millar has been champing at the bit to start and has looked good in the spells he has had at full-back.”
Scottish lost narrowly at Moseley back in November and despite Kevin Maggs’ side struggling near the foot of the table, Richards expects the visitors to pose a real threat again on Saturday.
“Due to results last week they have now gone second bottom of the league so will be desperate for any points they can get,” he said.
“We got undone by a hungrier team at Billesley Common in November and have got to match them in that department this weekend.
“I’m sure they will be confident of picking up another victory over us again and it’s up to us not to let that happen.”
London Scottish squad to play Moseley at Richmond Athletic Ground on Saturday, February 21, 3pm kick-off:
15, Lee Millar, 14, Matt Williams, 13, Matt Hawke, 12, Harry Sloan, 11, Miles Mantella, 10, Peter Lydon, 9, Jamie Stevenson, 1, James Hallam, 2, James Stephenson, 3, Max Maidment, 4, James Phillips, 5, Josh Thomas Brown, 6, Gregor Gillanders, 7, Chris Walker, 8, Mark Bright (c).
Replacements: 16, Mark Lilley, 17, David Cherry, 18, Ben Prescott, 19, Adam Preocanin, 20, Lewis Ludlow, 21, Matt Heeks, 22, Mike Doneghan.
Unavailable: Chevvy Pennycook, Neil Best, Adam Kwasnicki, PG Gidlow, Oli Grove and Ross Doneghan
Feature image of James Stephenson courtesy of London Scottish, with thanks
