DORCHESTER RFC’s men’s and colts players have started preparing for the new season with a bang.

Enthused by new head coach Paul Dunne, training (7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays) is well-attended, with players from the thirds as well as the seconds and firsts all joining in.

Dunne said: “At this stage of the summer we are doing a lot of exercises designed to help players to increase their skills, awareness and teamwork, while working on fitness at the same time.

“So there is a lot of gamefocussed activity, with contact being introduced gradually.

“I have been very impressed with the numbers turning up for training and also the hard work and support from everyone.

“With this level of dedication and teamwork, all our teams should do well next season.

“But we always want more players.

“This is an ideal time for people wondering if rugby is for them, whether returning from a break or trying for the first time, to join in and have a fairly gentle introduction, or reintroduction, to rugby.

“Whatever your age or ability, there’s a team for you at Dorchester.”

The senior team has some friendly matches pencilled in for later in August, when the coaching staff will see how the effort being put in now has borne fruit.

For most teams, including the ladies and juniors, the season really starts on September 11-12 with the county town outfit’s 24-hour Rugbyathon, when every team in the club, players who thought they had retired, parents and a few other members will see action against a host of local and further-flung opponents.