PROMOTED Swindon College will start life in Southern Counties South with a tough away assignment at Tadley when the new Powergen South West Division league rugby season kicks off in September.

The Old Boys, back in the division after a year down in Dorset & Wilts One, will make the trip, led by skipper Greig O'Brien, on September 13 to get their campaign underway.

And to complete a difficult opening for the promoted side, they face local rivals Wootton Bassett in a crunch derby encounter at home on the second weekend of the season two weeks later.

Bassett, following a mixed campaign last time out, host old rivals Redingensians on the opening weekend before the short trip to College.

Devizes also have a home start to their bid, hosting Westbury in a Wiltshire derby.

Swindon will begin their campaign to win back their Southern Counties North status against familiar opposition on the opening day.

Wallingford will be the visitors to Greenbridge Road as the home side, led by new skipper Paul Wakefield, launch their attempt to return to the division they were controversially demoted from in a league restructuring.

Chippenham, hoping to shake off the inconsistent form that dogged their challenge last season, open up with a home match against perennial foes Swanage & Wareham.

The second weekend also throws up an interesting encounter for Matt Sheppard's men, with newly-promoted Frome, from just across the border in Somerset, the hosts.

Dave Peirce will lead Minety as they try and establish themselves in Dorset & Wilts One.

Peirce has taken possession of the captain's armband from Charlie Gawthropp, who will continue to play after leading the club to a 100 per cent winning record and promotion from Dorset & Wilts Two North last season.

Minety open at home, with last season's cup specialists North Dorset visiting, before travelling the short distance to face Supermarine, who were promoted with them via a play-off, at South Marston a fortnight later.

Marine start their season with a short trip down the M4 to Melksham's Cooper Avon Tyres.