Other than a narrow loss to Hertford on the first weekend of the year, Ray Smarts side are since unbeaten in 2020 having secured three good victories over London Irish Wild Geese, Sutton & Epsom and most recently Eastbourne two weeks ago at Footes Lane.

Last weekend the Vikings were denied the opportunity to overturn their away loss to second-placed Bournemouth, after the visitors couldn’t raise a side.

Understandably Ray Smart’s men are itching to get back out on the pitch, and this weeks visitors are expected to be a tough outfit.

Chobham until this season competed in the Raging Bull Shield, but now are plying their trade in the Sussex Championship, and proudly sit top currently.

This weekends match is in theory a friendly match, but everyone knows their is no such thing a ‘friendly’ in rugby.

On naming his side, Ray Smart has taken the opportunity to rest a few players who have played a significant number of games this season, but such as is the depth of our squad now he is still able to name a strong side.

The skipper Leon Gardner and Tom Creed have been given the week off whilst Leon Collenette, Nico Alexandre and Darrin Bellingham start on the bench this week. Matt Lomas, who starts at fullback will captain the side for the first time this week.

Nico Ashplant is back after missing since November through injury, and starts at hooker. Corey Walis makes his first start for the Vikings at tighthead prop, and young Mike Smith gets a start in the second-row.

The youngest Smith is joined by his two older brothers who start in the back-row with Mitch on the blindside and Jacob at number 8. James Strang is rewarded for his excellent showing from the bench against Eastbourne, and starts at openside.

Pierre De Garis starts in the scrum-half jersey and he has young fly-half Reece De Jersey with him as half-back partner.

On the bench their are two debutants, with Tom Yarwood and Dave Hall in line to earn their first caps for the Vikings.

Kick-off is 2pm at the KGV, and straight after the match live Calcutta Cup action will be on the big screen.

We hope to see you there for a great day!