Teenage winger Alec Coombes will make his competitive debut for London Scottish on Saturday as the Scots take on Pontypridd at Richmond Athletic Ground in Round Six of the B&I Cup, 2pm kick-off.
The 19-year-old Scots-qualified back is one of a string of Academy players to make their First Team debuts this season and is joined in the starting line-up by fellow Academy recruit Alex Brown who impressed last week against Bristol Rugby.
Dual-registered Harlequins lock George Merrick also makes his first start this weekend in a XV which sees Welsh fly-half Dan Newton skipper the side against his countrymen.
London Scottish Head Coach, James Buckland, said: “The effort from the younger lads in the past few weeks has been great.
“The likes of Alex Brown and Ben Calder are now genuine first team contenders whilst Matt Hawke has come in recently and done really well.
“We are building a bit of depth to the squad which is pleasing.”
He added: “Pontypridd are coming here wanting to qualify as one of the best group runners-up.
“They are a tough team who put plenty of bodies into the breakdown.
“They also have some big boys in midfield and possess an excellent kicking game.
“Our boys need to go out and perform to the same level as against Bristol last week but with a bit more accuracy.”
London Scottish squad to play Pontypridd on Saturday, December 13, 2pm kick-off
15, Peter Lydon, 14, Connor Braid, 13, Matt Hawke, 12, PJ Gidlow, 11, Alec Coombes, 10, Dan Newton (c), 9, Matt Heeks, 1, Mark Lilley, 2, Dave Cherry, 3, Ben Prescott, 4, George Merrick, 5, Gregor Gillanders, 6, Neil Best, 7, Alex Brown, 8, James Phillips.
Replacements: 16, James Hallam, 17, Adam Kwasnicki, 18, Lovejoy Chawatama, 19, Tai Tuisamoa, 20, Chevvy Pennycook, 21, Ben Calder, 22, Chris Auld.
