BURTON have discovered who they will play in their first season in National League rugby after the Rugby Football Union finalised the structure for 2010/11.
The Crofters face some tough ties in National Three Midlands after their promotion from Midlands One West.
Sheffield Tigers will be one of their opponents after they transferred from National Three North, while old enemies Longton, Bromsgrove and Malvern will all visit Peel Croft next season.
Tigers’ switch has been made following the promotion of two Midlands clubs — Luctonians and Hinckley — to National Two North and the level transfer of Ampthill to National Three London & SE.
Level transfers are made to maintain the number of clubs in each league and to remove the cascade effect of multiple relegations from a geographical area down the league pyramid.
Burton coach Karl Ashfield thinks National Three rugby will provide a stern test of his squad’s character — but believes they have the potential and determination to compete.
He said: “It’s going to be a tough old league and a long, hard season, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“I don’t know much about Sheffield Tigers, but I do know we’re going to be up against powerful teams every week of the season.
“Our main objective will be to try to avoid relegation to give ourselves the chance to consolidate at the higher level, and I think we have the potential to be a competitive side in that respect.” Ashfield and his selection committee colleagues are looking to strengthen the Crofters squad despite last season’s title success.
He said: “We know we’re going to have to be fitter than ever before, and we know we need to bring in a few new faces to strengthen and freshen the squad.
“That is something we’re actively doing, but there is nothing signed and sealed at the moment.
“We’ve spoken to quite a few players who have said they are interested in joining us, but you can never be sure of their intentions until they walk through the door.” The Crofters return to training on Tuesday at Stapenhill’s Robert Sutton School, starting at 7pm.
Uttoxeter step up to Midlands Three West (North) after their title-winning campaign and Barton will be playing in Midlands Four West (North).
Leagues: National Three Midlands: Broadstreet, Bromsgrove, Burton, Hereford, Kenilworth, Longton, Luton, Malvern, Newport, Old Northamptonians, Peterborough, Scunthorpe, Sheffield Tigers, South Leicester.
Midlands Three West (North): Bishops Castle & OV, Burntwood, Eccleshall, Handsworth, Moseley Oak, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Telford Hornets, Uttoxeter, Veseyans, Wednesbury, Wolverhampton, Yardley & District.
Midlands Four West (North): Barton, Bloxwich, Cannock, Clee Hill, Cleobury Mortimer, Essington, Harborne, Market Drayton, Rugeley, St Leonards, Warley.
WALES play the second Test against New Zealand in Hamilton tomorrow, with Kiwi-born coach Warren Gatland looking for a vastly-improved display after last weekend’s 42-9 defeat in Dunedin.
Gatland said: "Unless you can come to New Zealand and perform and at least push a team right to the limits, you don't leave this country with the respect of the people. We want to leave with our heads held high."
