The fixture provides a great opportunity for Coventry’s young players to test themselves against Champ Rugby U23 opposition, with Ampthill bringing a strong level of competition to the Nick Newbold Stadium.

And with the game taking place on home soil, the U23s will have the added benefit of playing in front of a home support as they look to put their development into practice.

Team News

There is valuable senior experience running through the Coventry side, with Dan Green and Tom Miles both named in the starting line-up.

Both players are currently part of Coventry Rugby’s first-team group, and their involvement provides important experience and leadership for a young U23 squad.

There is also strong representation from Coventry’s Senior Academy, with Cornelius Nartey, Sam Harding and Taio Varndell all named among the starters.

Their inclusion underlines the importance of the U23 programme as part of Coventry’s player pathway, giving Academy players the opportunity to step up, gain valuable minutes and test themselves against a higher level of opposition.

The starting line-up sees Tom Miles named at scrum-half, with Dan Green also featuring, while Cornelius Nartey, Sam Harding and Taio Varndell all take their places in the starting XV.

The wider squad also provides plenty of options from the bench, with the U23s looking to make full use of the 25-man matchday group.

Tonight is therefore about more than just the result. It is another opportunity for Coventry’s emerging players to experience the demands of a competitive fixture against Champ opposition, while continuing to build towards senior rugby.

With Ampthill providing a strong test and the Nick Newbold Stadium providing the backdrop, it promises to be a valuable evening for Coventry’s U23s.

Coventry Rugby U23s

1. Szymon Zuczkowski
2. Sean O'Donnell
3. Coby Stanton-Ford
4. Cornelius Nartey
5. Sam Harding
6. Dan Green
7. Serge Fox
8. Sam Ratu
9. Tom Miles (C)
10. Matthew Smith
11. Taio Varndell
12. George Mundin
13. Emosi Nabakeke
14. Theo Hutchinson-Hayes
15. Ollie Farquharson

Finishers

16. Mylo Secker
17. Joe Ogbonna
18. George Corden
19. Gus Swift
20. Benjie Braine
21. Ben Beech
22. Turner Jones
23. Archie Cutting
24. Dylan Kingswood
25. Tolly Patrick

Matchday Guide

Friday 21st August
Nick Newbold Stadium
Gates Open: 6:00pm
Coventry Rugby U23s vs Ampthill U23s
Kick-off: 8:00pm

The fixture is not ticketed and is open to everyone, so supporters are encouraged to come down and get behind the U23s.

Food & Drink

The Millership & Jon Sharp Bars will be open for food and drink, with:

• Pulled pork batches

• Hot dogs

• Burgers

• Fries and loaded fries

• Coffee and tea

The Guinness Bar will also be open outside.

Arsenal vs Coventry City

There's football on offer too, with Arsenal vs Coventry City being shown on all the inside TVs at the stadium tonight.

Arrive from 6:00pm, grab some food and a drink, catch the football on the screens and then get ready for the U23s' 8:00pm kick-off against Ampthill.

No ticket required. Open to everyone.

Get down to the Nick Newbold Stadium and support the next generation of Coventry Rugby talent.