Six summer signings to start in Albion's 'Big Weekend' season opener

Plymouth Albion head coach James Shanahan will hand Albion debuts to six new signings in their RFU Championship season opener against Jersey on Sunday (15 September 2013).

The match forms part of the Big Weekend double header (the so-called '23rd game') at Exeter Chiefs' Sandy Park stadium and will be followed by the Cornish Pirates against Bristol Rugby.

Shanahan has selected summer signings Chris Elder at full back, Pale Nonu at centre. Dan Mugford will play number 10, Matt Shields at tight head, Eoghan Grace at open side flanker and new forwards coach Rhys Oakley, who will captain the side from number 8.

Shanahan told the Plymouth Albion website: “I’m very excited and can’t wait for the league season to start.

"People have mixed ideas about the 23rd game but we have to embrace it. We will be playing in a great stadium and the game is on Sky.

“The players have worked hard in pre season and they are all excited about Sunday.”

Wings Jamie Davies (knee), Jack Arnott (shoulder) and flanker Herbie Stupple (ankle) are all unavailable through injury.

Plymouth Albion: 15 Chris Elder, 14 Tom Bowen, 13 Toby Howley-Berridge, 12 Pale Nonu, 11 Lewis Warner, 10 Dan Mugford, 9 Paul Rowley, 1 Dave Morton, Davy McGregoer, 3 Matt Shields, 4 Ien Ascroft-Leigh, 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Sean-Michael Stephen, 7 Eoghan Grace, 8 Rhys Oakley (captain)

(Reps 16 Gareth Evans, 17 Ben Rogers, 18 Rob Langley, 19 Sam Matavesi, 20 James Shanahan, 21Ruairi Cushion, 22 Heath Stevens)

See more at: http://www.plymouthalbion.com.