Hampshire are the Final Test Before Toulon : Royal Navy Rugby Union

Hampshire are the Final Test Before Toulon

Royal Marine, Ollie Mason, is given the starting shirt at lock to partner Edd Pascoe

Chris Robinson starts at loosehead prop whilst his U23 colleague, Harrison Marsh (pictured in support), is named amongst the replacements

Rhys Dimmock-Williams is given another start at fullback where he hopes to continue his rich vein of form that started in the U23 shirt back in October

Chris Warner’s (centre) all-round play, along with strong set piece work, as developed immensely since grabbing his chance last month in the Senior XV shirt

Some forceful tackling from B Buinimasi at the end of the Richmond match have been rewarded with a start against Hampshire

Cory Moore is named as the starting scrum half with Gareth Rees John dropping down to the bench

Hampshire will be the final test for the unbeaten Senior XV before they travel to Toulon and the 12th Babcock International Trophy match against Marine Nationale. Hampshire are managed by former Royal Navy stalwart, Si Burns, who is sure to ensure that the County side are well set up for the encounter. For Hampshire it is an early season shakedown before they open their County Championship match at home to Dorset and Wilts on 30th April. For those who were unable to get tickets for the sell out Army Navy match, on the same day, perhaps a trip to Gosport and Fareham RFC may be an alternative option.

For the Senior XV there are a couple of changes as they ensure the whole squad gets sufficient match time. All three rows of the scrum see a single change with Chris Robinson replacing Gareth Evans at prop, Ollie Mason stepping in for John Lamsin and Timo Kava being given another start at Number 8; Dave Fairbrother drops down to the bench.

At halfback, Cory Moore and Gareth Rees John trade places once more, whilst outside Silvenusi Buinimasi continues the centre partnership with Mat Tichias that finished the game against Richmond Vikings. The back three sees two changes and a positional switch. Seta Raumakita moves across to the left wing to accommodate the returning Ben Chambers whilst Jon Humphrey drops to the bench to allow Rhys Dimmock-Williams another start at fullback.

Royal Navy Senior XV v Hampshire, USSG Portsmouth, 9 March 2016 KO:19:30

Royal Navy Senior XV: Chris Robinson, Ben Priddey * (Capt), Chris Warner, Edd Pascoe *, Ollie Mason, Ben Fox *, Jarrard Hayler *, Timo Kava, Cory Moore, Nathan Huntley *, Seta Raumakita *, Mat Tichias *, Silivenusi Buinimasi *, Ben Chambers, Rhys Dimmock-Williams

Replacements: Harry Collins *, Harrison Marsh, Dom Taylor *, Ben Watson, Dave Fairbrother *, Gareth Rees John, Greg Loydall, Jon Humprey *

* Denotes capped player