Tommy Richardson in Saxons start

Scrum-half Tommy Richardson will make his first start of the season as Stourbridge Saxons head to Rosslyn Park on Saturday.

The England Counties ace came off the bench in the 17-9 defeat at the hands of London Scottish at the weekend, but will now have the opportunity to stake his claim for a regular place in the starting line-up.

Richardson missed Stourbridge's pre-season due to work commitments – a summer trip to South America with the Cotswold school where he teaches.

Worcester Academy pair Ollie Frost and Louis Silver were then ahead of him in the queue for the opening games of the new National One campaign.

But with injury ruling Silver out and Frost getting the call-up for Worcester Warriors' match with Cornish Pirates on Friday night, Richardson has been handed his chance.

Director of rugby Neil Mitchell said: "There is no doubting Tom's ability, his place in the England Counties side is testament to that.

"It was a pity he arrived back at Stourton having missed a number of sessions and has had to wait for his opportunity.

"But he has looked strong each time he has come off the bench and certainly offers us something different to Ollie Frost."

Silver will face a fitness test ahead of the weekend's trip to London, with Luke Cozens able to slot in at scrum-half from the bench if required.

Although Mitchell is disappointed not to have Frost for the Rosslyn Park clash, the Saxons chief is delighted Worcester's Young Guns are getting their chance at Sixways.

He said: "Ollie has put in some impressive displays with us this season and that has certainly helped him secure a place in the first team squad for Friday's game.

"It was the same with centre Andy Short who is a regular with the Warriors at the moment after starting the season at Stourton Park.

"Situations like these shows just how the link-up between the clubs can benefit both sides."