New London Scottish signing Chris Walker has been included in the squad to face Bristol Rugby tonight in a top of the table clash in the Championship.
The former All Blacks Under-21 back row forward signed a one-year deal with Scottish on Wednesday after leaving Cottesloe Rugby Club in Perth, Australia.
The 28-year-old, who has spent most of his career playing for provincial outfit Taranaki in New Zealand, said: “I am really pleased to be here and it’s great coming into a winning side which is competing at the top end of the Championship.
“I have only been here a few days but it’s obvious that this is a really talented group of players who are keen to do well this season.”
Scottish head coach James Buckland was quick to praise Walker. He said: “Chris is the right kind of player for us, not afraid of the physical confrontation and I’m excited to see him play.”
London Scottish will also give debuts to Gregor Gillanders and Tai Tuisamoa while Matt Heeks will make his first appearance for the club since joining for a third spell over the summer.
The Scots are currently top of the table after three games while Bristol are just two points behind them.
Buckland expects tonight’s match to be a challenge as his side look to beat Bristol for the first time since he took charge of the club at the start of last season.
“We’ll need to be on top of our game in a lot of areas and I expect a big crowd at Ashton Gate,” he said.
London Scottish squad to play Bristol Rugby at Ashton Gate on Friday, September 26 at 7.45pm:
15, Peter Lydon; 14, Matt Williams; 13, Mike Doneghan; 12, PJ Gidlow (c); 11, Miles Mantella; 10, Lee Millar; 9, Matt Heeks; 1, Mark Lilley; 2, David Cherry; 3, Max Maidment; 4, Tai Tuisamoa; 5, Gregor Gillanders; 6, Neil Best; 7, Chris Walker; 8, Chevvy Pennycook.
Replacements: 16, James Hallam; 17, Adam Kwasnicki; 18, Stewart Maguire; 19, Adam Preocanin; 20, Mark Bright; 21, Jamie Stevenson; 22, Errie Claassens.
Feature picture courtesy of London Scottish, with thanks.
