BROMSGROVE RFC will kick off the new Midlands Two West campaign against league newcomers Sutton Coldfield.

Last season's Midlands Three West (South) runaway leaders will be first up for the Boars at Finstall Park on Saturday September 13.

Tough tests will follow for Ross Baxter's men, with visits to Solihull RFC the following weekend, before entertaining Burton and Camp Hill at home in the subsequent weeks.

The road to Twickenham for Bromsgrove starts with the visit of Wellingborough RFC on October 18 in the first round of the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup.

It is the first time the club has been drawn at home in the competition for six years.

Captain Richard Arnold said: "This will provide us with a big test as Sutton had a very successful season last year and will know all about winning on the road.

"It will be up to us to hit the ground running and play at the extra pace and power which they will not have experienced.

"Key will be the ability to take them out of their comfort zone."

The season opener will see the new IRB Experimental Law Variations come into force after their trialling in the Southern Hempisphere, and Arnold believes this will lead to a more open game of rugby.

He added: "This will certainly open the game considerably.

"So in line with this change in emphasis and style of play we are focusing hard on our aerobic and anaerobic fitness over the next five weeks."

In preparation for his side's early home games, head coach Baxter has lined up pre-season matches at home to Droitwich RFC on Thursday August 21, Old Silhillians RFC on Saturday August 30 and Barker Butts RFC on September 6.

Baxter admitted he is relishing the prospect of throwing his team back in the thick of the action.

He said: "These games will give us a good opportunity to settle into our home form early and are a good test against sides who were the heavy hitters behind Sutton Coldfield in the league below last season.

"We will aim to take all of these teams out of their comfort zones and lift the pace and physicality as players compete for those precious starting positions for the league opener.

"Training has started well with over 50 players being put through their paces last week and we will ramp it up from there.

"There is a real buzz around the players at Finstall Park at the moment."