Berks and Bucks set to kick-off County Championship

Berkshire RFU are hoping to put last season’s three defeats in the County Championship Plate behind them with a brand new start this season.

The county have invested in a new coaching team with brothers Ed and Tom Richardson and John Vaughan coming in.

Ed has been appointed head coach, while Tim is the backs coach and Vaughan the forwards coach. They also have a conditioning coach in Harry Jones.

"Our aim this season is to win at least one game which is something we haven't managed to do for a while," said team manager Bob Ward.

"We start the tournament with a tough game against Sussex, but after a close defeat to Kent last season we are hoping that might be the game for us. We will also play Buckinghamshire who are really an unknown quantity to us."

Berks could utilise some of their impressive youngsters who reached the semi-finals of the National under 20s Championship earlier this month.

"Generally this is a young squad because we are really looking to develop the side over time," added Ward. "I expect some of the under 20s to feature after their good season this term, but we will also have experience, including the likes of our captain this year Rob Murray."

Berks open against Sussex at Hove RFC on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

- Buckinghamshire RFU have boosted their County Championship Plate squad this season by bringing in key players from clubs outside the county.

"This side has changed again," said head coach John Taylor, whose squad failed to pick up a victory last season. "We know we are the minnows of the tournament because we are up against national league players and that is why we have looked at Bucks players from outside of the county.

"We have now got players from the likes of Chinnor and Maidenhead who all played junior rugby for Bucks but moved out of the county to play at a higher level of the game, and that is going to help us.

"For the first time, selection has been a nightmare, something that is a good thing because it means we have more depth. We have strengthened our front row and our back line so we now have a solid platform up front and the pace. The players are looking forward to the challenge and so are we.

"Now I believe we have a squad capable of doing well.”

Bucks have a tough pool with games against Berks and Sussex following Saturday's opener against Kent, kick-off 3pm at Sidcup RFC.

Taylor added: "The challenge always gets bigger as a new season starts and this is a tough pool. We have two hard games against Kent and Sussex and a local derby against Berkshire. Over the last three years we have suffered hammerings against Kent and Sussex, while we have never played Berkshire before.

"Our players want to go out there and enjoy their rugby. Kent are a well drilled side, but we have the physical attributes and the understanding of the game. We don’t expect a hammering like seasons before. What we expect is to go there and compete. We have the passion and the want."