After failing to secure a win in their last three games, Layton Batiste's side make the trip to Bognor on Saturday seeking to change that. The cause is boosted by the inclusion of Dale Rutledge at scrum-half.

Rutledge last played for the Vikings in the pre-season win over Jersey Seconds, before picking up a shoulder injury that kept him out for several months. He has since returned for Guernsey Raiders in National Two East, and he gets a chance to build his fitness with a run out this weekend.

St Jacques have slipped to tenth in the table following the last-minute loss to Bournemouth in December. Whilst that result was a disappointing way to end the year, the attacking performance was vastly improved, and Layton Batiste will hope that trend continues this week.

Bognor sit one place below St Jacques in Counties One Hampshire, making this a must-win game for both sides. Earlier in the season the Vikings were victorious at Footes Lane, winning 50-26.

With Rutledge donning the 'nine' shirt, Gearoid Lee is free to return to his regular full-back role this week. He is joined in the backfield by Kieran Creber and Cam Le Prevost.

Captain Tom Veillard is once again ever present in the flyhalf shirt, whilst Lucas Barker and Tom Creber start in the centres.

Matt Lomas-Lloyd has been one of the Vikings best performers this season. The move to a regular spot in the centres, and free from his former captaincy responsibilities, have seen ' him step up a level this season. He is named amongst the replacements this week but is likely to have a big part to say in this fixture.

Tom Yarwood has been selected by the Raiders' recently, but he starts for the Vikings on Saturday in the backrow, alongside Jamie Mahy and vice-captain Chris Croft.

Two Smith brothers are included this week, Michael is named in the front row, whilst Jacob is once again in the second-row engine room. He secured a hat-trick against Bournemouth and is fast closing in on the Vikings record appearance record from his brother Mitchell, who has been out injured for the past two months. He is expected to make his return in the next few weeks.

James Mroch and Tom Bray join Michael Smith in the front row. Keiran Williamson makes up the pack in the second row with Jacob Smith.

Corey Wallis is named amongst the replacements alongside a new name.

Ewan Wakeham is a former Guernsey Rugby Academy Colt who has recently spent time down in South Africa playing rugby. He has now returned home and gets his chance to make his senior debut.

This game offers a great chance to start the new year on a high for the Vikings, they will be hoping to take it.