Braintree Rugby Club will continue their preparations for life in Essex League One today with a pre-season friendly clash against Wanstead at Robbs Wood.

The Black and Ambers resigned from London League division two north east last season and they have now been placed in the Essex League by the RFU, with everyone at the club looking to the future.

Brian Joslin, who will once again jointly coach the first team alongside Gary Coote and Ian Saward, said: “The first month back in pre-season training has been very positive with over 40 players attending over the month.

“There seems to be a good vibe amongst the players.

“Even though the club has had to drop down a couple of leagues, everyone is aware of the need to regroup and rebuild.

"I would ask any of our players who have yet to make training for whatever reason to do so as soon as possible as we want the best pool available for first and second team selection.

“Both our first and second teams are in very competitive leagues and we can’t expect just to rock up and win every game because we used to play in London North East Two.

“Everyone will raise their game against us.”

After today’s clash with Wanstead, the Black and Ambers travel to Old Brentwoods on September 6 for another pre-season workout, before the league season starts on September 19 with a trip to Clacton.