HEAD coach Tug Wilson hopes Witney can build on last year’s showing in South West 1 East after beginning their pre-season preparations.

The west Oxfordshire club finished fifth in English rugby’s sixth tier last season.

After the first training session on Tuesday, Witney are set for their second this evening and Wilson is hoping to encourage new players to help the club progress.

He said: “Having finished fifth and fourth in the past two seasons, the club has shown a great deal of potential and invested in the younger players to take us forward.

“There is always a need for experienced players and equally for new blood.

“This is where we enjoy pre-season and seeing the new guys turning up and how quickly they get involved with the club”.

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Training starts at 7pm in Hailey Road.

Witney open their campaign against Leighton Buzzard on September 5.