THE rugby union season is here and Blackheath, newly promoted champions of National League Three South, open their campaign in Division Two, ironically against Waterloo, the champion of National League 3 North.

Blackheath's management, fans and players are raring to go and a big crowd is expected at The Rectory Field this Saturday for the match which kicks off at 3pm.

Club's team will not be selected until midweek but most of the championship-winning team would expect to be on show minus, of course, American lock Christian Long who has returned to Chicago.

New signings Shane Roiser from Wasps, Diarmid Kelly and Adam Kelly (no relation), Dave Bason and Steve Anderson would all hope to figure in coach Chris Kibble's selection plan.

Club manager Pat McCarthy said: "There's no going back now. The current squad is about three weeks fitter than this time last year, and although we are apprehensive about the demands of Division Two, physically and mentally we will be as well prepared as the other teams in the league.

"We have a strong influx of players, including a number from the Premiership and Division One, who we hope will contribute vastly.

"Our opening match is a big challenge but with a squad of 80-plus players, we're hoping for good things to happen this season."