South of England set for Scotland Bravehearts challenge

• Representative side travels north for first ever clash with Scotland
• Head Coach Jamie Jones names a 22-man squad for historic fixture

The South of England Men’s Team ventures into the unknown this weekend, heading north for a first mouthwatering clash with Scotland Bravehearts, their counterparts North of the border.

The South of England Men’s Team was founded in 2025 to provide representative opportunities to talented community game players outside the north of England, with the Bravehearts being their counterparts from the community game in Scotland.

The two sides will meet for the first time on Saturday at Hawick RFC (K.O 12pm) as a curtain-raiser for Scotland’s autumn international against Ireland (K.O 15:00), with the South of England looking to step up performance levels following a preparatory friendly loss to Australia & New Zealand Exiles last weekend.

The fixture marks the first time the South of England squad and management have travelled and stayed together for a game, with minibuses leaving all four regions on Friday morning. On arrival in the Borders, the South of England players will train together before sitting down for planning meetings and a team meal – activities designed to create an environment as close to possible to that found in higher levels of international Rugby League.

In consultation with Scotland Rugby League, South of England Head Coach Jamie Jones has announced an extended 22-man squad for the fixture. The team will once again by led by London Chargers hooker Doug Chirnside, ably assisted by vice-captains David Bofenda (North Herts Crusaders) and Finlay Holt (Sherwood Wolfhunt). It features representatives of all four southern regions and players from 12 different community clubs.

Head Coach Jamie Jones has stuck with many of the players who lost out 22-12 to the Exiles last weekend, with a blend of experienced heads and promising youngsters. Alex Deery (North Herts Crusaders) steps in at full-back to cover for the absent Jimmy Lambert, who is expected to rejoin the squad next weekend, with settled pairing Jake Cummins and Luke Drummond continuing in the halves. 

The South of England pack will be led by Dom Stock (West Warriors), player of the match in last weekend’s loss to the Exiles, and fellow prop Max Nissinen-Li (Bedford Tigers), with former skipper Coryn Ward (Nottingham Outlaws) leading a dynamic back three at loose forward. The extended interchange bench is packed with talent and includes a blend of hard-working forwards, utility players and play-makers.

Head Coach Jamie Jones said: “Firstly, I’d like to say how grateful I, the players and the management team are for the opportunity Scotland have afforded us. It will be our first game against the Bravehearts and the first north of the border, and that’s special. We can’t wait to get up there and play a small part in the jam-packed weekend of International Rugby League on both sides of the World.

“We know that Scotland-England is a rivalry that transcends sport and we can’t wait to revel in the atmosphere. We are travelling in good spirits and have taken lessons from last week’s loss to the Exiles in what was a very hard-fought and competitive game.

“I want to see our lads repeat the tempo we showed but tighten up on the skill and hopefully improve our off-the-ball detail. That should put us in a good spot, but we’re expecting a very tough game against Scotland so we’ll need to play well.”

Scotland Bravehearts versus South of England Lionhearts take place on Saturday 17th October at Hawick RFC, kick-off 12 noon. Entrance, which also includes the Scotland-Ireland men’s international, costs £10 for adults and £5 for over 65s. Entrance for under 16s is free.

South of England Men’s Team v Scotland Bravehearts – Starting XII and interchange

Alex Deery (North Herts Crusaders), David Bofenda (vice-captain, North Herts Crusaders), Leon Atherton (All Golds), Ben Telfer (Brixton Bulls), Leighton Ball (Wests Warriors),Jake Cummins (Elmbridge Eagles), Luke Drummond (Elmbridge Eagles), Max Nissinen-Li (Bedford Tigers), Doug Chirnside (captain, London Chargers), Dom Stock (West Warriors), Finlay Holt (vice-captain, Sherwood Wolfhunt), Ben McGuinness (Brixton Bulls), Coryn Ward (Nottingham Outlaws). Interchange: Eddie Atherton (North Herts Crusaders), Sean Belbin (Elmbridge Eagles), Callum Dockerill (Bedford Tigers), Dylan Stone (Telford Raiders), Harry Kaufman (Coventry Bears), Charlie Whittington (London Chargers), Ben Foskett (Telford Raiders), Mason O’Neil (Medway Dragons), Will Armour (London Chargers)

By Matt Anniss

Photo Credit: RLF Photography