PREPARATIONS for the 2022/23 campaign have started early at Northwich Rugby Club.

They are looking for additional players to add to the squad in readiness for pre-season training.

All eyes will be on the senior coaching squad as they start to build early momentum before a tough new season.

“Everyone involved in senior rugby at the club knows just how important this season will be for us, and we’ll be building a demanding pre-season programme to get the squad where they need to be come September,” said strength and conditioning coach Aaron Collins.

With many players from the squad gathering experience in the North Premier, a level the club played at for the first time in their history and finished bottom of the table, the club management team are devising plans with an eye on squad-building for next term.

“We will try to get one or two things shaped up so that the close season is as easy as it can be for the club," continued Aaron.

"We have got players tied down for next season, which is great. We want to keep the backbone of the side and then freshen up if anything comes on the horizon.

"The players have been great this past season. I have enjoyed working with them and I have seen a lot of improvement.

"Everyone has had to adapt, and we’ve been impressed with the resilience of the squad. We are also really pleased that the club is committed to building a larger squad and local talent is vital to the club's continued success.

"We now know exactly what’s required for the season ahead. Bridging the fitness gap between Merit league and level five is the starting point and will be a focus for discussion at the players' meeting. All existing and new players are invited to attend."

In a draft of the proposed league restructure for next season, there is no relegation from the North Premier 2021/22 campaign which means Northwich would be continuing at the higher level.

The restructure is being planned in order that the pyramid can become flattened to facilitate 12-team leagues with further accent upon regionalisation.

The final decision upon the new season's fixtures has yet to be made.