Exeter Chiefs XV travel to Exmouth for Thursday evening encounter
Exmouth RFC's Henry Goldson , who is set to play Centre against an Exeter Chiefs xv this Thursday, 6.45pm kick off - Credit: Archant
Exmouth are set to come face to face with an England International when an Exeter Chiefs XV travel to the Imperial Ground this Thursday (6.45pm), for a pre-season game being sponsored by Ashfords LLP.
Tom Johnson, who has represented England eight times, and is currently in his testimonial year at the Chiefs, lines up in a back row unit which also includes the hugely experienced Ben White. Between them they have many years of Premiership experience. The Chiefs are also set to include senior hooker Shaun Malton, as well as new second row signing Sean Lonsdale.
The Cockles are set to welcome back a number of players who have missed recent pre season games including former Exeter Chief Tom Bedford who made his 1st XV debut for Exeter at the age of just 17.
Second Rows Milo Reynolds and Jack Fahy have passed fitness tests and should feature, and another second row and new signing Jim Massey could also be involved. Exeter Chiefs Academy product Aaron Thompson is set to play in an Exmouth shirt and face a number of his Chiefs Academy team mates at some stage.
Exmouth RFC head coach Jon Hill says: “We are delighted to welcome the Chiefs to the Imperial Ground for what will be the fourth year running. Having a Premiership rugby Club just eight miles from us, it is great for our players to be able to play against quality full time professional players, and this Thursday, they will get the opportunity to play against an England International.
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“The Chiefs squad is huge nowadays and is packed with quality throughout. The work of the academy has certainly come to fruition, and will continue to produce and nurture future international and premiership players. The successes in Europe, in the LV Cup and in the A League show just how much depth there is within the wider squad, coupled with partnerships with the University and College teams, who have all gained various championships in their respective competitions.
“We are grateful to Academy Manager Robin Cowling for allowing us to sign Aaron Thompson on dual registration for the season and hope that we can give him some game time and experience of National League Rugby as part of his development.”
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Exmouth Line Up (1-15)
Savage, Gibbings, Cooper, Reynolds, Hawley, Wonnacott, Harris, Thomas
Ryan, Meadows (captain), Rice, Bedford, Goldson, Downie, Cadywould
Reps: Gibbons, Goulden, Massey, Fahy, Thompson, Bargent, Richards
Mattin, Watkins, Ridgeway, Wathes, Mears, Vidler
Kick Off is 6.45pm
Entry is £5 for adults, free for under 16’s.
Exmouth RFC head coach Jon Hill is sponsored by Soft Works
