COLCHESTER Rugby Club are set to be without two influential members of their squad when they host Letchworth Garden City in London League division one today.

Head coach Danny Johnston confirmed that both skipper Calum Irvine and hooker Charlie Thorogood will be missing after they suffered injuries during the 24-15 defeat at Luton.

Johnston said: “Luton are a big side who played a physical game against us and Charlie suffered internal bruising.

“So he’ll be out, while Calum has a broken eye socket and will now be out until March. “That means James Crozier will return to lead the team after a couple of weeks away.

“He did a fantastic job when Calum was out before, so it’s not the end of the world.

“It is certainly a blow for us but we have a group of players looking to bounce back from that defeat at Luton.

“It was really difficult to watch a team who you know has the skills set needed not execute them in the way that you know they can.

“It’s not like we didn’t create chances, because we did. But we just didn’t finish them off.

“Suffering two heavy knocks and not scoring a bonus point has left us feeling a bit bruised, but I’m quite excited about this weekend.

“The boys will all be up for it. “We see Letchworth as a team that has been a marker of our progress in this league.

“We beat them twice last year and we’d like to do the same this year after a really good performance and win in the away fixture.”

Elsewhere, Braintree Rugby Club will be hoping to see some action after having their local derby against Chelmsford postponed last weekend.

They are due to host Basildon at Robbs Wood for another Essex derby in London League division two north east today.