Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s (RFC) first XV head coach Louie Tonkin has named his team for today’s opening Asia Rugby Champions League clash away to Abu Dhabi Harlequins, starting 7pm at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, with 11 of the 15 starters from the West Asia Cup final against the same opposition last March retained.
Up front, Oli Sanson’s absence gives the long-serving Matt McKee a deserved first start at loosehead prop, following a number of cameo appearances off the bench last season and he takes his place alongside regulars Lindsey Gibson and Rich Muncaster.
Mark Burnell and Rich Wilkinson – in his 11th senior campaign with the club – resume their partnership in the second row, while Rhys Fitzgerald is one of two debutants on the blindside flank. Alastair Crombie continues in the open side flanker role, with Jack Sale shifting to number eight to complete a sprightly back-row unit.
One of Bahrain’s standout performers last season, Rob Bennett takes his place at scrum-half, with Ollie Luke named at fly-half. Adam Wallace once again captains the side from the centre, where he is joined by another debutant in new-signing Graham Bishop.
Swapping regular places with Luke, Luke Radley lines up at full-back, with Greg Heath and Terene Tantoh on the wings.
There are a number of new and returning faces on an impactful bench, where regular squad members Arron Dalgarno and Max Sale are joined by recent signings in the considerable shape of second-row Jon Kenny and backs Dai Evans and Iwan Phillips.
Callan Hope – in line for his competitive debut – and Elliot Behan make very welcome returns to the squad after missing the entire 2016-17 campaign through injury, while Chris Coupland is set for his second debut for the club, having spent the last four years with Dubai Hurricanes.