South of England relishing Australia & New Zealand Exiles re-match

• New-look South squad return to Wasps FC, 12 months on from making their debut
• Saturday’s Exiles fixture will be followed by games against Scotland Bravehearts and Wales ‘A’

The South of England Men’s Team returns to action this weekend, almost a year to the day since the representative side played its first ever fixture against the Australia & New Zealand Exiles.

Fittingly, the game will be a rematch with the Exiles, a team of Antipodean players who play for community clubs in the South of England, and will take place at the same ground – Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in Acton, West London, home of community Rugby league club West Warriors (Saturday 10th October, 2.30pm).

12 months ago, the freshly formed South of England Men’s Team, boasting players who performed well at the 2025 Southern Regions Carnival tournament in Brentwood, Essex, delivered a promising performance against the Exiles, ultimately losing 24-16 thanks to two late tries from their hosts.

Despite the scoreline, it was a quietly impressive first outing for the South of England Men’s Team. It provided perfect preparation for the match that followed a week later against Wales Dragonhearts – a match famously won by the South on a memorable afternoon at The Gnoll, Neath.

South of England Mean’s Team Head Coach Jamie Jones wants the side to go one step further in Saturday’s hotly anticipated rematch, challenging his team to notch up their first win over the Exiles. Jones has announced an extended 26-man squad for the fixture to allow for a wider range of players to get game time ahead of forthcoming fixtures against Scotland Bravehearts (October 17) and a strong Wales ‘A’ side (October 31).

Jones’ squad, which will be skippered by experienced hooker Doug Chirnside (London Chargers) with flying winger David Bofenda (North Herts Crusaders) and Jimmy Lambert (Coventry Bears) acting as vice-captains.

They’re joined in the squad by a mix of returning 2025 squad members, talented youngsters, and players who excelled at the recent 2026 Southern Regional Carnival competition at Oxford RFC, North Hinksey. 

In total, no fewer than 13 community clubs have representation in the squad, with even more clubs represented behind-the-scenes in volunteer coaching, management, media and medical roles. 

Jamie Jones, Head Coach of the South of England Men’s Team, said: “Myself and the selectors had a decent task selecting just 26 players as the competition for places was so high, but I’m very happy with the direction in which we’re heading.

“I believe that we have the right mix of talent in the group, with some young guns keen to prove themselves and some senior heads that will guide them round the park. Our back five options are strong, fast runners on and off the ball, our middles pack punch and can play footy, the spine options are blended well, with two debutants and two players who performed well for the South last year.

“Last year we faced a strong, fast ANZAC squad and I don’t see that being any different this time round. Our task is to build on last week’s training session, establish some relationships on the field and work through our systems the best we can. As a group we are more than up for the challenge.”

Australia & New Zealand Exiles v South of England Men’s Team takes place on Saturday 10th October 2026 at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, Acton. The match kicks off at 2.30pm and entrance is free for spectators.

SQUADS

South of England Men’s Team: Brnedon Swindles, Callum Dockerill, Max Nissenen-Li (all Bedford Tigers); Leon Atherton (All Golds); Ben McGuinness, Ben Telfer (both Brixton Bulls); Harry Kaufman, Jimmy Lambert (Coventry Bears); Sean Belbin, Jake Cummins, Luke Drummond, Paddy Tennant (Elmbridge Eagles); Leon Bird (Hammersmith Hill Hoists); Will Armour, Doug Chirnside, Charlie Whittington (London Chargers); Mason O’Neil (Medway Dragons); Eddie Atherton, David Bofenda, Alex Deery (North Herts Crusaders); Coryn Ward (Nottingham Outlaws); Finlay Holt (Sherwood Wolfhunt); Ben Foskett, Dylan Stone (Telford Raiders); Leighton Ball, Dom Stock (West Warriors).

Australia & New Zealand Exiles: Joel Strasser (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Jamaes Duchatel (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Tamati Gribble (vice-captain, West Warriors), Benji McKay (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), George Brown (London Chargers), Tyler Rush (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Jack Ryan (captain, Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Matt Jessop (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Jimmy Russell (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Lachlan Crossole (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Thor Eastwood (West Warriors), Josh Stevens (Lock Lane), Dylan Leney (West Warriors), John Borland (West Warriors), Leo Ruggeri Falaniko (London Chargers), Chris Kerkow (Eastern Rhinos), Justin Dunnett (West Warriors), Easton Pollard (London Chargers), Callum Corey (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Devante Waho (West Warriors).