Rosslyn Park coach Alex Codling is expecting his side to embrace the challenge of a tough start to the new National League One season.

Park, who were pipped to the title last season by Doncaster Knights, face trips away from Priory Lane in three of the opening four fixtures.

The season curtain raiser on September 6 is at Coventry, who finished third last term, before the visit of Blackheath, the only side to beat Park at the Rock, on September 13.

Thereafter, Park go to Fylde, who finished fourth, and Loughborough, before returning home on October 4 to host Old Albanians.

Codling said: “Last season was a very memorable one and everyone involved with the squad is excited about the challenges ahead this season.

“We have an extremely tough start with three away fixtures out of the first four, but I expect the boys to embrace the challenge with the same enthusiasm and energy that we did to our matches last season.”

Park have lined up four pre-season clashes ahead of the new campaign – Cornish Pirates (a, August 16), Shelford and Bishops Stortford (h, August 23) and Southend (h, August 29).

Codling has recruited heavily since the end of the season, bringing in Sam Staff (tighthead prop), Will Jones (lock), Mike Macfarlane (back row), Luke Carter (scrum half), Tom Whelan (fly half), Kiba Richards (centre/winger), Tosh Masson (centre), Nev Edwards (winger), Robbie Martey (winger) and Dante Mama (centre).

Going out the door are Harry Broadbent, Henry Staff, Matt Heeks and Peter Hodgkinson.