WELLINGTON Rugby Club’s build-up to the new season begins tomorrow week (Aug 22) when the 2nd XV are due to play a friendly against Wyvern at the Athletic Ground (7.15).

The 2nd XV, whose side will contain some fringe lst XV players, will again be playing in Somerset One this winter. Two days later - on the 24th - Wellington will be taking two teams to play away to their Sidmouth counterparts.

On Friday, Aug 30, Wellington will be at home to North Petherton, the club new assistant coach Nic Sestaret left at the end of last season as head coach.

Wellington have a very strong coaching team for this season which is led by former England and Bath international Graham Dawe. He will be supported by Sestaret, a former player with Toulouse, Exeter Chiefs and Plymouth Albion, and the popular Allyn Chetland.

Wellington have not ruled out the possibility of Sestaret, who attended a coaching course in France last week, playing at some stage this season, although his main role is to coach the backs.

Second row Regan Walker, who has been struggling with damaged knee ligaments, is now back in training but there is still a doubt over the fitness of skipper and outside half Paddy Jarman who has a similar injury.

“We’re happy with the way things are going,” said Chetland. “Training is being ramped up - and it is becoming much more physical. What we ideally would like is to get everyone training at the same time. We’re still very much an amateur club and players have work to do and families to keep care of.

“Training sessions, however, have been attracting good numbers with a number of players from last season’s successful colts side attending.”

Senior training is taking place on Monday and Wednesday evenings starting at 7p.m.

Wellington’s first match in Western Counties is away to Chard on Saturday, September 7.

The South Somerset side will be out to avenge a 43-12 loss against Wellington on their own ground at the end of last season.