Former Glasgow Warriors and 24-times capped Scotland centre Richie Vernon will make his competitive debut for London Scottish in a derby day opener against city rivals Richmond in the English Championship, at the Richmond Athletic Ground tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm).

Vernon enjoyed two spells in Glasgow that sandwiched a two-year stint at Sale Sharks, playing a key role in the Warrior’s Guinness PRO12 title success in 2015, starting the 31-13 final victory over Munster.

The latter years of his time in Scotstoun was disrupted by shoulder and achilles injuries, however the recent move will hopefully see a successful return to regular action combined with his pursuit of a career in the finance industry.

Glasgow’s Lewis Wynne also starts having joined London Scottish on loan for the 2018/19 season after 19 appearances for the Warriors.

Fellow Scotland cap Grayson Hart will also start the match, while former Scotland U20 forwards Phil Cringle and James Tyas are named on the bench.

London Scottish: 15. Joe Luca Smith; 14. Charlie Ingall, 13. Richie Vernon, 12. Craig Duncan, 11. Miles Mantella; 10. Rory Jennings, 9. Grayson Hart; 1. Jordan Brodley 2. Jared Saunders 3. Richard Palframan 4. Byron Hodge 5. Tjiuee Uanivi 6. Luke Frost 7. Lewis Wynne 8. Mark Bright CAPTAIN.

Replacements: 16. Billy Harding 17. Jonny Harris 18. Phil Cringle 19. James Tyas 20. Ed Hoadley 21. Jacob Perry 22. Rob Stevenson

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