The Independent Schools RFC have named their squad for the first Lambs XV fixture of the year.

They will play an Irish Exiles U18 XV at Maidenhead RFC on Sunday as they look to kick off their season in style.

A squad of 22 has been selected, with an aim to stick to the Lambs ‘fast and free’ philosophy. It is a style that has seen them lose a few games in the past, but always sees the players enjoying their rugby, and the fans appreciating it even more.

The artificial surface at Maidenhead has therefore been a godsend to the Lambs, meaning that whatever the weather throws at them, they can always rely on great conditions for them to play in their enviable style.

The starting fifteen has yet to be named, though in a squad of twenty-two there are certain clues as to who may be there from the start.

With Bedford’s George Adams and Cyprian Owen-Edmunds of Harrow the only wingers named, it seems certain that they will start, with Colfe’s Charlie Banks likely to appear between them, being the only out and out full back in the squad.

Iain Billington and Nathan Stansfield look set to start in the second row, with no specialist cover there, though some of the back row could do a turn.

Liam Fitt, Mike Peek, Matthew Retchless and RGS Newcastle captain Nick Richardson are competing for the three back row spots, while in the front row rotation looks to be the order of the day, with six players named.

Freddie Chalmers and Elliot Croft compete at 10, though Chalmers could make use of his all round game at full back if required. At nine it is a battle between Angus Hardy and Sedbergh’s Miles Lloyd, who comes with the additional benefit of being able to kick at goal.

The centres look likely to rotate too, while Charlie Greswold of St Peter’s, York may start.

The most interesting thing to see with the squad though will be how they play together rather than the result. This is very much a warm up game ahead of the Easter tour of Ireland, and with several of these players having never played or trained together before, building partnerships and combinations with understanding will be the order of the day.

If ‘up the jersey’ and a kick first attitude is your idea of a good days rugby then this might not be one for you. If however you prefer your rugby with a dash of skill, attacking verve and a willingness to have a go from anywhere, Sunday afternoon at Maidenhead is the place for you to be.

ISRFC Lambs Squad vs Irish Exiles U18: