THERE will be some new names on the teamsheet when Tynedale host Luctonians in their season opener on Saturday.

The Corbridge-based club will begin their new campaign in National League Division Two North hoping to build on a respectable mid-table finish last time around.

Once again, Tynedale will have several youngsters from Newcastle Falcons on their books this season, on a dual contract basis.

Falcons Oscar Caudle and Charlie Richards, who featured in the last campaign, will remain with Tynedale, and will be joined by number nine Callum Pascoe and number 10 Will Haydon-Wood.

There will be no return for Morgan Passman, the dual contract teenager who scored 31 tries in 19 games in blue and white.

But Tyne followers will welcome new permanent signings to the fold. Front row Anthony Harvey has signed from Blaydon, Ethan Clark has joined from Percy Park, while prop Larry Mew, of Ponteland, has also joined the Tynedale ranks.

Director of rugby Ben Woods said: “We’ve had a really good pre-season. We did well in patches against Darlington Mowdon Park, despite defeat, and also against Blaydon when our efforts were rewarded with victory.

“It’s great to have some of the Newcastle Falcons lads with us once again, and we’ve made some other additions to the squad. They are really good players and will add depth to the squad.

“There were times last season when we were down to the bare bones due to injury. We need plenty of cover, but we also want to have competition for places. With players pushing each other, standards improve.”

Saturday’s game will get under way at 3pm.