Fans add to excitement of start of new rugby season

MANY of the region’s rugby clubs kick-off eagerly-anticipated 202122 league campaigns this weekend, delighted to be able to play in front of much-missed supporters again.

Plymouth Albion kick-off their National League One campaign today when they welcome a starstudded Rosslyn Park to Brickfields (KO 3pm).

Giants of traditional English club rugby, Rosslyn Park present a tough opening to the season and the game against the Londoners will provide a barometer for Albion’s prospects for the season ahead.

For many of the region’s lowerlevel rugby clubs, the competitive action also starts this weekend as the South West divisions get their 2021-22 seasons under way.

Redruth host Leicester Lions in the National Two South division, while Camborne also start with a home game, against Old Redcliffians.

In the South West Premier, Exeter University welcome Launceston. In the South West One West division, Devonport Services are at home to St Austell.

In the Western Counties West, Falmouth are at home to Tiverton, while Kingsbridge entertain Penryn, Wadebridge Camels travel to Burnham-on-Sea and Truro are also away, at Chard.

The Cornwall & Devon divisions also starts tomorrow and the fixures are: Bude v Withycombe, Hayle v Torquay Athletic, Liskeard-Looe, v Topsham, Newquay Hornets v Tavistock, North Tawton v Saltash, Amateur Pirates v Plymstock Albion Oaks.

Following last night’s friendly against the Royal Navy, the Cornish Pirates continue their preparations for the new season with a home friendly against Worcester Warriors next Saturday. This is the Pirates’ final build-up game ahead of the new season, which opens with a home game against Richmond the following weekend (September 18).

The Exeter Chiefs kick-off their Premiership campaign on the same day, away at Leicester.