The two clubs played out a thrilling National One title race ultimately won by the Thame men earlier this year, but Seb is hopeful the last of Rams’ pre-season contests can bear fruit at Kingsey Road.

He said: “It’s a challenge we’re looking forward to. We’ve always enjoyed playing Chinnor over the years and they’re doing some great stuff – I’m excited to see how they go in The Championship and I’m sure they’ll do well.

“As it’s a re-season game both teams will be looking to see how they’re developing, and while it will be a test to break down their defence, we’re completely focussed on ourselves.”

National One champions Chinnor received a set-back last week when it was suddenly announced they and Cambridge would not be competing in the Premiership Cup, and Seb admitted he felt things could have been done differently as his side face opponents with possibly a further edge to their game.

He continued: “I’m gutted for them because they deserve to be in it. Going up into the Championship it would have been one of the things they’d have been looking forward to – having the opportunity to play Premiership opposition and in front of big crowds.

“It seems there are lots of last-minute decisions in rugby these days – since Covid it’s almost become the norm for teams to be starting seasons not knowing what the format is, whether teams are getting promoted or relegated, and it shouldn’t be the case.

“People should know what’s happening before the season starts so the players can see what’s in front of them and prepare for it.”

In what promises to be another cracking derby, Rams give a debut to Polish international wing Tomek Pozniak, with the DoR commenting: “He’s a good footballer and we’re learning more about him as we see him. He’s got a raw talent which we’re interested to see develop and I believe he can do well.”

There are four other changes from the 35-28 victory at Aberavon last week, with Connor Stapley’s return to the starting line-up seeing Dan Swain at blind-side flanker, Ben Atkins at No. 8 as Ed Hoadley also gets the nod at scrum-half.

The other alterations see Ellis Jones and Axel Kalling-Smith team up in midfield, with Pozniak on the wing.

Commenting on the pack changes, Seb remarked: “Swaino looked good on the front foot last week, he was combative and a good link player.

“Obviously his line-out skills are something we’re all aware of, an it’s a nice combination to see him with Nile (Dacres) and Connor (Stapley) at the same time.”

With the hosts having pushed forward the Friday Night Lights concept in January 2020, another different date sees Rams on the road again, but Seb praised the idea as he ended: “Saturday wasn’t going to work so we said ‘why don’t we give Monday a go?’ and ironically most people don’t actually do anything then unless they’re away, so it gives us a chance to put on a quality game and supporters the chance to come and watch.

“Chinnor always pull in a tremendous crowd, it’s a charity day as well, so it should be a great occasion.”