And with the second XV preparing to enter the Notts Pennant competition for the first time, with a heady mix of youth and experience at their disposal, the club appears to be going from strength to strength.

Captain Ed Hutchinson and coach Chris Weeks have organised structured training sessions throughout the summer, focusing on honing the talents that have brought the club up three leagues in as many seasons by improving speed, strength and stamina to a level that will enable them to compete in the next tier.

This has been assisted by the club investing in gymnasium facilities and bringing in specialist coaches to look at sprinting techniques and set-piece play.

Surprisingly enough, even the most gnarled old front row forwards have acquired a spring in their step from the above.

This has been aided by the carefully managed diet sheets, including a new regime of white wine spritzers, as first XV manager Joe Oldfield seeks to bring his squad into the modern age.

So far this has led to only one retirement – that of Mike Dabell who suffers from spritzer and vegetable intolerances.

Negotiations are underway to get Dabell a special beer dispensation in the hopes of persuading him to reconsider his position.

Despite the numbers at training, holidays and the absence of several key players on coaching and playing duty with the successful Lady Manners School tour to South America have meant that team practice has been limited.

Nonetheless, last weekend a 24-man squad played its first warm up game at recent National League outfit Morley.

The team acquitted itself astonishingly well against a well-drilled side in a game that gave a good indication of the challenges that lie ahead.

The coming weekend sees the club hold its annual trial game where the Probables will take on the Possibles in what promises to be a keenly fought encounter.

Second string manager Barry Pearson will be looking to build on the achievements of the last campaign as he welcomes a number of new players.

First team manager Oldfield commented: “The effort put in by every player over the summer has been phenomenal. We asked for commitment and we got it.

“There are places up for grabs in both the first and second teams and this fierce competition is very healthy for the club.”

Sipping a chilled spritzer, he went on: “We’re straight into serious rugby on September 6 when we hope to reverse last year’s defeat by beating Leicester side Old Newtonians in the first round of the National EDF Cup.

“Then the league campaign kicks off in earnest as Coalville arrive at the Showground on September 13 for the first game between the two clubs.”