Richmond head coach Steve Hill knows his side face a different test in Hartpury this season compared to last.

The west London outfit welcome the west country side to the Richmond Athletic Ground this weekend to face a side in their second season of Championship rugby knowing they’ve improved from the team they beat home and away last time out.

“It will be a tough test without a doubt,” said Hill.

“Similar to us last year they are now in their second year and have obviously learned a lot from their first year and its reflected in their results where they’ve had two good wins and will be confident.”

The weather forecast for the game is good which is a welcome relief to Hill as conditions in their last game at Cornish Pirates contributed heavily in their 29-19 defeat and left him frustrated to leave pointless.

“Two minutes before half time it was 15-12 whilst playing into a gale, we would’ve been happy with that, but we conceded with the last play of the half which changed momentum a little.

“The pleasing thing is the guys are putting in good performances but we need to turn them in to league points, starting with Hartpury.”

“The Pirates coaches said we were their toughest opponents so far which is a positive, but we know we need convert it in to points, convert opportunities and come away with the outcome we want and deserve.”

Hill’s side sit in 11th placed with one win from four, largely because of Richmond’s inability to pick up bonus points. Hartpury are the only other team in the league not to pick up a try or losing bonus point.

Richmond have lost their last three games, to Yorkshire, Doncaster and Cornish, and Hill doesn’t hide his frustration in knowing the importance of the bonus points.

“Those three games we’ve been in a position to secure bonus points but have failed to do so. We need to make the right decision to start gaining some even if we aren’t winning the games.”

Richmond will be without suspended captain Cameron Mitchell who serves the final week of his four week ban.

“He’s chomping at the bit, Cameron Hudson has had some great performances in his absence so there’s no guarantee he’ll come straight back in, but at the same time he’s been the starting centre the last three years and we’ve missed him.”

The ladies team are also in action at the RAG following the men’s game. They will be welcoming Saracens ladies who are favourites to retain their league crown. Richmond will be confident however following their seven try victory at Worcester Valkyries.

“They recognise that Sarries will be a huge test and a massive challenge, but they’re very much up for it,” said Hill.