WELLINGTON’S new head coach Bradley Field has confirmed he will play this coming rugby season.

Field, who has taken over from Graham Dawe, will be 40 next month but intends putting on his boots again at fly half.

Field said: “I have been very pleased with the way the lads have trained this summer. The ground is hard, of course, because of this dry spell but the lads are making sure they train in the right way to avoid pulls and strains. They have adapted to the conditions to make sure we don’t end up with pre-season injuries.”

“The focus this season will be very much on ourselves, not the opposition. I want us to play fast, expansive rugby which is attractive to watch.”

Among the new faces is an American football player and Field added: “He’s looking to play for us this season; obviously he’s a little raw at the game.”

Meanwhile, Wellington kick off the new season with an away fixture against Okehampton in Regional Two South West on Saturday, September 6. They follow this with their first home game - a derby clash against Tiverton.

Wellington finished ninth during their 150th year anniversary season, while Okehampton came fifth.

Wellington 2nd XV open their season at the Athletic Ground with a match against their Chard counterparts on September 6. George Hodgson and Louis Justice will captain the lst and 2nd XVs.

Wellington lst XV opening fixtures: - Sept 6 away v Okehampton, 13 home v Tiverton, 20 away v Crediton. October 4 home v Pirates Amateurs, 11 away v Cullompton, 18 home v Weston super Mare. 2nd XV: Sept 6 home v Chard, 13 away v Wiveliscombe. Oct 4 home v Wells, 11 away v Bridgwater & Albion, 18 home v Weston super Mare.