Last updated 13:26, Thursday, 03 July 2008

ONLY a few short weeks after most of the squad took part in Northumberland’s County Shield triumph at Twickenham, Tynedale rugby players return to training next week.

Training starts on Thursday, and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of what will be the most challenging season in the club’s history.

The club go into their first season in National League Division Two with a new skipper in Roman Wall farmer Jamie Murray (above) who missed virtually the whole of last season with a cruciate ligament injury.

His brother and fellow back rower Andrew (below) will be vice captain.

However, leading points scorer Phil Belgian remains as club skipper, and will play next year, after deciding against having surgery on his troublesome back.

Head coach Tom Borthwick said: “This will be the most challenging and exciting season in the club’s history.

“Our aim must be to build on this success and create the ethos and desire for excellence.

“This will not come easily,