PLYMOUTH Albion are optimistic Australian backs Ethan Ford and Marc Koteczky will be fit for Saturday’s opening National One match against Richmond at Brickfields.
The duo picked up injuries in Albion’s pre-season defeat at the hands of Championship side Bedford Blues on August 22.
Full-back Ford (pictured top) suffered an ankle sprain early in the first half, while utility back Koteczky (pictured left), who came on and replaced his countryman in that game, aggravated a heel injury that has been bothering him in pre-season.
However, both have made good progress in recent days. But the news is not quite so promising on South African lock David Fisher, who twisted his knee against Newton Abbot last Friday night.
Albion’s director of rugby Graham Dawe said: “Ethan trained yesterday. Although he’s not operating at 100 per cent yet he is certainly on the right side of 50-50 for the weekend.
“Marc did a limited amount of training yesterday without too much of an issue.
“We are very keen that they are available for Saturday and we are certainly optimistic, but there’s no guarantees at this stage as they could suffer re-occurrences.”
Dawe added: “David Fisher sat out training yesterday and will do again today. A call will be made on him on Wednesday, but we are not ruling him out yet.”
Meanwhile, Dawe has confirmed that Elliot Bale, Tom Putt, Ollie Dawe and Ben Hawley are all set to sign for the club this week ahead of Saturday’s opener. The young quartet have spent the summer training with Albion.
“Hopefully, there will be progress on that during the week,” said Dawe.
Albion have also registered Royal Navy players Seti Raumakita and Jarrad Hayler. Raumakita’s clearance has come through but Plymouth are still waiting for former Havant player Hayler’s.
The pair helped the Royal Navy’s sevens team, known as the Sharks, reach the quarter-finals of the Harpenden Sevens over the Bank Holiday weekend. The Navy’s hopes of reaching the final were ended by eventual champions Apache.