THURROCK Men's sides begin their competitive season today, Saturday, 7 September.

The firsts, who won 46-0 in their final warm-up match at East London last weekend, travel for their first match in the London & South East Regional 2 South East and meet Battersea Ironsides for the first time ever.

They will also be under the leadership of a new captain.

Niall Clifford leads out the Men's First XV for the first time, taking over the mantle from Ben Timson.

Entering his sixth season with the club, Niall has filled in admirably in the past as captain and now gets the position on a full time basis

The versatile Clifford has been a mainstay of the Thurrock backline since joining in 2018, notching a try on debut as the team defeated Westcombe Park.

Over the last six years, he has amassed 94 caps while adding a further 25 tries. He has also been 'Mr Reliable', covering pretty much every position in the backline

On taking over as captain, he said: "Coming into my sixth year at Thurrock, it's an honour to take over the captaincy from the absolute stalwart Ben Timson.

"A new season brings new challenges and see's us back down south of the river which I'm very much looking forward to.

"When I first joined Thurrock back in 2018, we were in London 1 South and it built an admiration for the way these teams play so I was excited when we were moved back across (possibly part of it was due to the infamous bus journeys….).

"That being said, I am under no illusions how tough his league is going to be especially against old foes in Medway & Gravesend.

"We have had a couple of years of transition and now we are in the position to kick on and build a team for the future.

"Thurrock have always had a strong mini and youth and it's been great to see the colts coming through and pushing for places. The season promises to be a good one and I can't wait to see this team explore the serious talent they have at their disposal."

The seconds will be at Oakfield against Pegasus Palmerians, kick-off 3pm.