RUGBY clubs across the county began their preparations for the new campaign as players reported back for pre-season training last week.

Chippenham, who narrowly missed out on a place in South West One for the third year running last term, will train at Allington Field on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm throughout the summer and are hoping to attract new players.

Each of the club's senior teams play competitive rugby, with the first XV in South West Two East and the second team in the Bath Combination Merit Table Division One.

Chippenham's third XV will play in Merit Table Division Two for the first time this season and the club will also field a Veterans side in a number of friendly matches.

Anyone interested in joining Chippenham can contact club secretary Stuart Murrow on (01249) 657720.

Wootton Bassett RFC also began their preparations for the new campaign last week and train at Stoneover Lane on Tuesday evenings, start 6.45pm. The pre-season training programme at Bassett will include sessions taken by guest fitness advisors and specialist coaches, the first of which being in August when former Wales and British Lions man Richard Webster visits the club.

The sessions are open to all existing and any new players. Anyone interested can contact John Ricketts on (01793) 854793.

Bassett have also voted in a new playing committee that will focus on fitness and enjoyment of the game, which consists of club stalwart Brian Smith as playing manager, ex-Bristol player Andrew Lock as first XV Captain and last season's playing manager John Ricketts as head coach.

Ricketts will be assisted at training by former Neath forwards coach Mick Davies and assistant coach Mark Scholes.

Pre-season training at Marlborough RFC takes place on the club's training pitch next to the clubhouse on The Common every Tuesday at 6.30pm.

Existing and new players, members, coaching assistants are all invited to attend.

Marlborough hold their annual general meeting on Tuesday at 6.30pm. All current members and are welcome, as is anyone wishing to become a member of the club.

Calne RFC, who won promotion to the Southern Counties League for the first time in their history last season, are looking for new players in order to form a regular second XV next term.

Training takes place at the recreation ground in Anchor Road on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Anyone interested in joining the club can contact (01249) 812206 for details.