The black-and-yellows host the curtain raiser against Richmond Norman’s in The Shield Division Two, before Guernsey Raiders take on Leicester Lions in National Two South straight after.

Ray Smart’s side have faced this weekends opposition once previously, on the opening weekend of their last proper season coincidentally. That day ended up proving a hard day at the office, as a quality Richmond side were too good for the Vikings.

Smart will be hoping that on this occasion his side are better prepared for the 4th XV of Englands second oldest rugby club, that boasts seven senior sides, which includes their 1st XV in the second tier of English rugby, the RFU Championship.

Pleasingly the Vikings coaching team, like Jordan Reynolds, have had some positive selection headaches for this opening clash, with over 30 players available for selection.

Notably missing from the team sheet is back-row forward Mitchell Smith, who has become somewhat of a talisman for the Vikings. The oldest of the Smith trio picked up an ankle injury in Alderney last week and has not recovered in time.

Taylor Quate has also lost his race to be fit for this opening clash, but the speedster is close to a return and could feature next week.

Saturday will be the first time that Matt Lomas leads out the Vikings in a competitive game. The fullback will be hoping he can help steer his side to victory of the visitors.

Up front in the forwards, James Mroch returns to the front row having missed all of the last proper season with a knee injury. He packs down on the loose head side and is expected to be joined by hooker Dan Morgan from the Raiders, although Morgan is subject to a late fitness test. Tom Bray completes the front row.

In the engine room Tom Creed & Nick Merrien pair up as locks, and the back-row is made up of Phil Le Noury, Alex Lock and Jacob Smith.

The halfback pairing of Dale Rutledge & Gearoid Lee will be hoping to direct the Vikings attack, although poor weather may make attacking running rugby a challenge.

Callum Gladstone has overcome his nasty looking injury picked up in a preseason fixture vs the Guernsey Veterans and partners Lucas Barker in the midfield.

In the back-field Joe Le Roux & Reece de Jersey await with Lomas.

Kick-off is 12pm at Footes Lane.