Raiders fans may get their first opportunity to see Frenchman Romain Mercadal in league action as top of the table Hertford come to Footes Lane on Saturday. For what is the biggest and most important game of the Raiders campaign yet, director of rugby Jordan Reynolds gladly welcomes five payers back into the squad to make up for the unavailability of three others.

While Ned Brown and Matt Thomas are both unavailable for the Hertford clash, Luke Jones also sits this one out with a concern about his shoulder. But on the plus side Mercadal and Malcolm Barnes are both fit to make their first starts of the competitive season, and also back are Kenny Hellier, Cameron Craine and Blair Campbell.

Reynolds was very matter-of-fact about the loss of three important players. 'That's just rugby,' he said, clearly happy with the club's new found squad strength, something they have not possessed in past seasons. Jason Batiste is also in contention and the coach says he will not name his starting XV until Friday morning.

The coach is pleased for Mercadal, who has kept his chin up despite the broken hand he collected in pre-season. 'He has dealt with it alright but been champing at the bit.
'He went back to France to have surgery on the hand and having him back will add to our back row options.'

We will have all the confirmed team news for you on Friday.