WELLINGTON kick off the new rugby season with an away match against Okehampton in Regional Two South West on Saturday, September 6.

Bradley Field has replaced Graham Dawe as head coach while Allyn Chetland has taken over as the club’s new director of rugby.

Wellington have played in two warm-up games, beating Bridgwater & Albion 29-26 at home but fielded a side well below full strength and lost heavily away to Taunton Warriors.

Field admits he is looking forward to the ‘challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.’

George Hodgson will captain the side following his selection as new skipper of the lst XV earlier this summer. - and after the decision of Danny Lee to retire after a season of injuries.

Wellington struggled to field a settled side last season and finished a disappointing ninth in their 150th year. Apart from Lee, George Hodgson missed much of last season through injury before returning to the team late on.

Wellington’s chairman Gareth Hodgson admitted ‘mixed availability, injuries and other factors’ had a big impact on last season and it had been ‘difficult’ for both senior sides.

Fixtures for Regional Two South West for Saturday, September 6: Okehampton v Wellington, Pirates Amateurs v Cullompton, Tiverton v Wadebridge, Crediton v Weston super Mare, Teignmouth v North Petherton, Ivybridge v Winscombe.

Wellington play their first home match on Saturday, September 13, when local rivals Tiverton provide the opposition.

Meanwhile, Wellington 2nd XV begin their season in Counties Three Somerset South with a home match on Saturday, September 6, against their Chard counterparts (3p.m.).

Back row forward Louie Justice will captain the side, taking over from Andrew Bellamy who has held the role for several seasons.

Wiveliscombe 2nd XV, who were promoted at the end of last season, will also be playing in the same division and start with an away match against Taunton outfit Wyvern.