WHILE the Hurricanes have got their season in Counties 1 Hampshire underway and off to a flyer, Isle of Wight RFC and Ventnor will be aiming to get their campaigns off to an equally positive start on Saturday (September 21).

Isle of Wight Rugby Football Club, taking full swing from last season's last gasp promotion, is poised to face the Locksheath Pumas in the Counties 2 Hampshire, at Wootton Rec.

"Pre-season has gathered momentum in the past few weeks and we're looking forward to the start of the campaign, with two home games to begin with," said Kieran Leahy from IWRFC.

The club is buoyed by familiar players and new, young recruits, with a coaching team led by David Blackman.

In a parallel scenario, Ventnor Rugby Club, celebrating its golden jubilee, launches into a comprehensive rebuild to revitalise the club for the next 50 years.

They will kick off their campaign against Aldershot and Fleet in Counties 3 Hampshire, at Watcombe Bottom.

Neil Evans, the new director of rugby, along with his coaching team, have implemented a total restructure, altering the club's overall approach.

A club spokesperson said: "The players' efforts have been commendable.

"They have taken everything the coaches have thrown at them, however challenging."

Ventnor has contingencies in place for recruitment, especially targeting novices, supported by a collective of 'playing veterans'. There are also plans to use a new indoor winter training facility.