TRAFFORD MV kick off pre-season with friendly fixtures away at Llandudno RFC (August 12) and at home against Lymm second XV a week later.

These are then followed by the first round of the Lancashire Trophy when MV will make the short trip to Heaton Moor.

MV's first XV squad are currently working hard on their fitness and strength and over the next couple of weeks more ball work and game play situations will be worked on on the training paddock as the intensity begins to build as the new North Lancs/Cumbria season gets closer.

MV's opening league match will be away at Bolton on September 2.

A bonus for MV this season will be fewer long-distance away trips as three out of last season's Cumbrian opponents fell foul of relegation.

A crunch fixture will be against local opponents Eccles who have dropped down into the division.

MV are also looking to build their current squads of 14 to 16-year-old players to grow into a contending junior and senior Colts XV over the next couple of seasons.

They are looking for young rugby players who may be playing the game at school and would like to improve their game with more practice and coaching.

The club are also looking to find those youngsters who do not play rugby as many Trafford schools do not have experienced staff to coach the game.

Trafford MV are keen to hear from pupils at non-rugby schools and those schools themselves that may be keen to introduce the game to pupils.

Girls rugby will get a high profile over coming weeks as the Women's World Cup takes place in Ireland during August. Trafford MV will be encouraging young girls to join the club in September to learn the game from four years of age.

If you are interested in playing rugby at Trafford MV at any age level, contact Greg Hawkins on 07834 857905 or email Wilf Dooley at wilfdooley@virginmedia.com for more information.