National 1 side Bishop’s Stortford begin pre-season campaign at home to Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday August 17

Bishop’s Stortford will have a new captain when they begin their pre-season campaign at home to Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday (August 17).

Will Rogers has been handed the armband for the forthcoming National 1 season following the retirement of James Ayrton.

The Australian back row, who arrived at Silver Leys ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, will be assisted by vice-captains Ollie Jones and Chris Bolton.

Stortford have also re-signed winger Alex Gilham and acquired the services of back row Sam Johnson, who has come over from New Zealand.

While the first team take on Tonbridge at Silver Leys on Saturday, a combined second and third XV will entertain Harlow. Both games get under way at 3pm.

Stortford are gearing up for their first National 1 game of the new season at home to Leicester Lions on September 7. Their other pre-season friendlies are away to Cambridge and Shelford on August 24 and August 30 respectively.