THE new rugby union season starts on Saturday, with Keighley, promoted from Yorkshire Two as champions last term, to ply their trade in the revamped RFU leagues in Counties One – Yorkshire.

There are only now 12 teams in the league (reduced from 14 last year), which will mean only 22 games, and the league season will finish on March 11, 2023, followed by a series of optional RFU and Yorkshire Cup games to complete the campaign

In a pre-season practice game, played at North Ribblesdale’s ground in Settle, Keighley eventually outplayed their opponents Burnage, who will play in Regional 1 – North West, which is two levels above Counties 1, beating them 28-12.

Keighley will be hoping to carry that form forward to their league programme on Saturday, when they entertain another promoted side in Hullensians at Utley, the season opener kicking off at 3pm.

The following week, Keighley are at home to Wetherby, the third side to be promoted to Counties One from Yorkshire Two.

Support from Keighley residents would be much appreciated by the club.

The entrance fee for first team games is £5, reduced to £3 for members, who also get preferential rates for cost of drinks at the bar.

Keighley’s captain for the upcoming season will be centre Adam Horsfall (pictured above by Charlie Perry), in his third season as skipper at the club, and he will be supported by No.8 Tom Whyte as vice-captain.