The veteran former Siam Cup winning captain has been called up for the vital away game against Tring on Saturday and, as coach Jordan Reynolds revealed, the player had no hesitation about accepting the chance.

‘He was 100% keen on it and I think he fancied having a crack at playing National Three level having left us back in the London One days,’ said Jordan Reynolds.

‘He’s been playing quite well for the 2nds so I gave him the call.’

But the coach still has to find another winger after the very late withdrawal of Shane Taylor.

Reynolds said that while the team is looking much stronger than it was a few weeks ago, it was only 70% in terms of potential strength.

‘It’s starting to settle down a bit and we know which areas we struggled with against CS Rugby.

‘We know it is going to be a massive test.’

He said that confidence remained low, but the squad felt better in the knowledge of having created enough chances to win last time out, without actually taking them.

‘This is a win I believe we can take,’ added the director of rugby.

Jason Batiste returns to the starting XV in the centres, the decision made easier by the absence of the unavailable Ned Brown.

Glen Walters will once again slot in at full back with Sam Whitehead, who will be the featured player in the next home match programme, playing alongside the captain, Blair Campbell, at fly half.

The coach said that the emphasis in training has switched from attack to defence.

‘We are just trying to shore things up a bit,’ he said.

Starting XV: Craine, Choules, L Batiste, Hillier, Merrien, Gardner, Le Cocq, Thomas, Campbell (capt.),Whitehead, AN Other, J Batiste, Hema, Bailey, Walters.

Replacements: Sharrott, Sawene and Hile.

Once again, the uncertainty over the 1st XV line-up has hampered Mark Stone in naming a 2nd XV side to travel to Jersey for Saturday’s big JRA League game against the Buccaneers.

More news of that selection to follow later.