NEXT Wednesday sees the start of pre-season for the senior side of Bridport Rugby Club.

After 15 months without any competitive fixtures, the players will be going back to basics and aiming to improve their fitness for their first games in August.

Coach Ayo Fraser has set out his plan to get the team ready to face their first season since winning the Dorset & Wilts Two South division.

He said: “For the first few weeks we will look to build a baseline level of fitness, before improving individual and unit skills and gain match practice.

“The time will also be used to develop and foster the team culture and bonds that will take us through the season.”

Not playing for over a year, with the added challenge of moving into a more competitive league, Fraser is hopeful that his former teammates will be ready for the challenge.

He exclaimed: “In our new league, we are hoping to consolidate our position, whilst developing sustainable depth in the playing squad and offer opportunities for the integration of our Colts and players new to the game through a new social team.

“We’ve been lucky that we have maintained a high level of enthusiasm and participation through the last year, despite not playing any rugby.

“However, inevitably this has meant we have lost some regulars from the 2019/20 season and welcomed some new players.”

During the new season the club will cap quite a few new players including many encouraging prospects in the Colts team.

Despite this, the Blues are hopeful for more new players to take up the sport.

However, should you take up rugby?

“Just do it” Fraser states. “It will be the best decision you make for your physical and mental health and social development. We are a wonderful welcoming club and operate under some fantastic core values.”