Our trip to Loughborough was our final away game of last season and we open this new campaign by welcoming them back here to kick off our 151st season and our 142nd year at this ground.

Last season Loughborough finished in 4th place in the league table, their best performance since moving across to National Two West in the 2022/23 season. They also topped the BUCS league ahead of Hartpury College losing just 2 of their 18 games. Like other university sides it is never clear what calibre of side will turn up but Loughborough are nothing if not consistent and their tie-up with Leicester Tigers makes them a strong force.

Their president told me on their last visit that they tried hard to run like a club side with proper social facilities, something Exeter University might want to think about.

The Reds welcome back Ed Pascoe as captain, ably assisted by vice-captain Tyler Gendall.. As well as many familiar returning faces in the team, the club has made some new signings over the summer including Ayden Earnshaw, Jack Counter and Rhys Bowery. And, this week we welcome back Ethan Morgan, fresh from his stint in Australia.

Referee: Tom Evans-Jones. Assistant Referees: Rob Lowe- Andy Bickle

Team News here on Friday