Guernsey name team for Siam Cup

The hosts will face a Jersey side shorn of those professional players who have been with the Championship club for less than three years as the traditional clash for one of the oldest trophies in rugby takes on eligibility rules designed to make the annual fixture more competitive.

While the amateur GRFC remain able to pick from their entire squad, director of rugby Jordan Reynolds is not only without his long-term absentees, but also both Eamon Chapman and Glen Walters, who have been ruled out by injury and have therefore played their final games for the club.

University student Dom Rice, who has first-team experience, returns to take Chapman's place at open-side flanker and will be one of three starting on Siam debut along with half-back pairing Adam Nixon and Owen Thomas.

The other debutants, Tom Malagodi and Nico Ashplant, are among the seven replacements.

On a positive note, Malcolm Barnes has returned to training and will take Walters' place in the backline.

Guernsey Ladies, who are targeting a fifth consecutive Women's Siam victory, have named four new caps in their squad.

• More in Thursday’s Guernsey Press.

Guernsey Raiders team (kick off 2.30pm Saturday)

Cameron Craine, Tom Ceillam, Layton Batiste, Lewis Hillier, Nick Merrien, Dale Martin, Dom Rice, Matt Thomas, Adam Nixon, Owen Thomas, Malcolm Barnes, Blair Campbell (c), Ned Brown, Sam Whitehead, Luke Sayer. Replacements: Nico Ashplant, Thomas Malagodi, Leon Gardner, Simon Sharrott, Jason Batiste, Ben Challinor, Anthony Armstrong.

Guernsey Ladies team (kick off 11.30am Saturday)

Michaela Rabey, Eleanor Woodward, Heidi Mahy, Kristine Vavere (c), Ellie Whittles, Tanya Scholtz, Fiona Power, Vicki Rang, Jemma Crouse, Fiona Ashworth, Kaitlin Donaldson, Hannah McLennan, Chelsie Blondel, Anneka Saunders, Carly Parrott. Replacements: Andrea Harris, Michelle Schofield, Sarah Woodington, Sophie O'Connell, Morgan Johnson, Janelly Le Maitre.