Peterborough RUFC want an exciting all-round game in a competitive season that starts this weekend

The city side make a belated start to their Regional 2 East Division campaign against Shelford at Fortress Fengate on Saturday. The summer drought prompted rugby union chiefs to delay competitive action for a fortnight.

Last season Borough finished fifth, but reached the play-off final before losing to a strong Broadstreet side.

Borough have a new director of rugby in local legend Pete Kolakowski, a new skipper in Will Bell and four new players in back row forwards Declan O’Neil from St Ives and South African Alex Tyrer, plus backs Charlie Gray from Saracens and Josh Lynch. A fond farewell has been bade to Max Arnold who has left the area because of work commitments.

Kolakowski said: “There is plenty of competition for places throughout the squad, which is exactly what we want. It has been particularly pleasing to see several of last season’s colts stepping up and pushing for senior selection. Ed Goodchild, Eddie Anderson and Tom Willis have all impressed during the pre-season games and demonstrated the strength of the pathway we are developing at the club.

"All four newcomers have settled in well and will add real quality and competition to the squad, while Will Bell is highly respected and will bring good qualities to the captaincy. I would like to thank Luke Swindells for the examples he set during his time as captain

“Our aim is to build on last season’s league position. We want to play an exciting and expansive brand of rugby, but that must be built on strong foundations. We expect to compete physically and aim to win the physical battle in every game, while ensuring that our basic skills are consistently delivered to a high standard.

“We will take the season week by week and focus on one game at a time. Ultimately, we know that we will be judged on results, and the players and coaches are fully focused on delivering for the club. There is a great deal of enthusiasm around the squad, and I’m really looking forward to our opening game.”

Kolakowski has replaced Shane Manning as Borough’s director of rugby. Manning is now head coach at Biggleswade which is nearer his family home.

Stamford finished a spot behind Borough last season and open the new season at home to Kettering, while Peterborough Lions are at Stewart & Lloyds in Counties 2 Midlands East.

Thorney travel to Cottenham in Eastern Counties Division One West and Deepings have a home game against Cambridge Thirds in Division Two.

Spalding and Bourne are together again in Counties 1 Midlands East (North). Spalding open at home against Southwell, while Bourne travel to Lincoln.