BEN Redler will be swapping his first-aid kit for a pair of boots in Malvern Rugby Club’s home clash against Spartans tomorrow (2.15pm).

Redler is studying to be a physiotherapist at university and normally helps Sarah Kelly on match-days for the Spring Lane outfit.

But Redler will make his debut for Malvern because a group of players are joining back row Stuart Clarke on his stag weekend in Bristol.

“Ben is no stranger to rugby because he’s studying at the University of Worcester and plays rugby in their first team,” said Malvern director of rugby Dave Irish.

“He is normally standing on the side of the pitch with Sarah because, as part of his course, he has to get some experience at a sports club and that is with Malvern.

“I have not actually seen Ben play but he’s playing in the first XV at the university and was in the side when Worcester had an excellent win against Durham.

“He can play at number six or eight and he will be coming in at number six tomorrow.”

Fly-half Adam Dixon, second row Adam Green and Clark’s brother Nick will be among those missing the fixture due to the stag weekend.

However, Irish says Malvern should still field a strong squad and he is hoping they will be able to secure a Midlands Two West (South) double over Spartans.

Malvern should be cheered on by a bumper crowd swelled by former players at a pre-match lunch.

Irish says James Southall will be moving to fly-half with Laurie Essenhigh playing at scrum-half and Joe Wilks coming into the second row.

Malvern’s last outing was a 13-0 win at Leamington on February 7 and they triumphed 29-10 at Spartans last November.

Sutton Coldfield-based Spartans are seventh in the table and 17 points adrift of Malvern.

Irish added: “Spartans had not lost at home for 28 games until we won up there earlier in the season.

“They had a bit of a hammering last weekend against Bridgnorth in the RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup (53-10) but Bridgnorth are firing on all cylinders and beating everyone in front of them.

“We will not be taking Spartans lightly and we know it will be a very tough fixture for us.

“Spartans have a good back row and a scrum-half who likes to run with the ball and they will be dangerous.”

Meanwhile, struggling Upton return to action at county rivals Pershore in Midlands Three West (South) tomorrow.