RETURNING head coach Neil Loader says Salisbury RFC are raring to get their National League 3 South West journey under way.

Green and Whites open their account a week on Saturday with a home clash against Bournemouth (3pm).

Loader, who succeeds back-to-back promotion winner Dan Jeffries in the role, said: “We intend to have a real go at this league. We are aiming to be competitive and not just be there to make the numbers up.”

The hard work has already begun with pre-season workouts.

But their first friendly fixture with Chippenham was marred by the injury of front row Luke Esnouf, who broke his ankle.

Salisbury were leading 12-0 through tries from Tom Lane and Liam Gilbert before the game was abandoned into the third period.

There are also plans to hold a joint training session with Swindon RFC at Tidworth tonight, two days before they travel to Weston-super-Mare (2.30pm) on Saturday.

On the playing front, Salisbury have recruited a number of new players while still looking to bolster.

All but one of last year’s squad have trained with the Castle Road outfit in pre-season.

Richard Lloyd, on Loader’s coaching team, is also bullish about the season.

He hopes the medal-winning success of the GB Sevens’ at the Olympics will boost the sport. “Anything that puts you in the shop window and that people enjoy has to be a good thing,” he said.

“If it can hook people in and they enjoy it enough to want to transfer to the 15 aside game then every club in the country will be delighted.”