NATIONAL 2 South leaders Taunton Titans are set to hand a debut to scrum-half Pierre Thompson when Esher visit on Saturday.

James Tait is struggling with a shoulder injury, which could lead to an opportunity for the 20-year-old.

Titans head coach Tony Yapp, pictured, said: “I coached Pierre for three years at Exeter University and he is with Exeter Chiefs.

“He has been dual-registered with Plymouth Albion but hasn’t played as much as he would like down there, so he will compete with James Tait for the rest of the season.”

Tom Wyatt is set to return to the squad this weekend in place of Oscar Kolowski, who will miss the rest of the season as he is travelling.

Taunton are a point clear at the summit following last weekend’s results and Yapp is urging his side to capitalise.

“It [being top] is a huge boost and makes every game really exciting from now on,” he said.

“We were narrowly beaten at Esher earlier in the season in poor conditions - the weather looks iffy again this weekend but I am confident we can adapt.”