Ealing Trailfinders boss Mike Cudmore will field an under-strength side in the club’s first ever British & Irish Cup tie at Vallis Way – because he has no choice.

It was always the director of rugby’s intention to blood youngsters and fringe players in his squad for the pool games, but his hand has been forced by a raft of injuries.

He currently has 20 players unavailable for the game against Welsh side Cross Keys tomorrow (Saturday) – 14 through injury – and says 15 of them could be classified as first team regulars.

The situation is compounded by the fact players due to come out on loan from Harlequins have had to stay at the Stoop for now because of a similar injury crisis at the Premiership club.

“The physicality at this level is very different from what we’ve had before and it’s hit us hard,” said Cudmore, whose side lost their opening game in the competition 49-8 at Leinster A.

“I always looked at the B&I cup as a competition where I could take a look at some of the guys in the squad who are not first team regulars, but now I have no choice anyway because of all the injuries. We are not the only club affected in this way, but we do not have the money other clubs have to call upon a stronger set of back-up players.

“The ones who came in at Leinster last weekend did really well, but of course we need our best players to be truly competitive. I’m looking forward to the day when we can put out a full-strength side.”

TJ Anderson captained Ealing for the first time at Donnybrook on Saturday in the absence of Adam Preocanin, who has a shoulder injury.

Preocanin is one of six or seven players Cudmore hopes will have recovered sufficiently to take the field against Bedford Blues next weekend in the league.

Anderson scored Ealing’s only try in Dublin. Andy Hall’s penalty was the only other score for the west Londoners.

Cross Keys, who beat Moseley in their opening pool game, reached the B&I final two seasons ago and should also pose a big test.