CLACTON Rugby Club are holding their annual beach rugby event this Saturday.

It will be the tenth year the fun competition has been held and, as usual, it will take place on the town’s Martello beach.

Thirty-plus teams have entered, so there should be plenty of activity when things get under way around noon.

The group qualifying matches go on throughout the afternoon, with the various final stages taking place nearer 5pm.

The action then returns to the rugby clubhouse in Valley Road, where the presentations and awards will take place.

The Red Hot Radiators will be on hand to provide live entertainment.

The beach rugby event signals the start of rugby activities for the Valley Road club and senior pre-season training starts on Tuesday, from 7pm.

It will then continue on subsequent Tuesdays and Thursdays and it is hoped to see as many of last season’s players as possible.

There has been a change of regime within the club.

Jon Vine has taken over the role of club coach from Matt Mahoney, although the latter still remains an integral member of the club.

In addition, Aaron Redpath has succeeded Jake Buxey as club captain.

Buxey has held the position for a number of seasons and has been made a life member of the club in recognition of all his hard work.

Like Mahoney, he remains an integral part of the club and he is looking to continue as a player.

Clacton are always on the look-out for new players and, if anyone is interested in playing rugby on a Saturday afternoon, they should contact either Redpath on 07444 814536 or Vine on 07824 494108.

Alternatively, they should come down to the Valley Road clubhouse on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 7pm.

In addition to the seniors, the colts and youth players will commence their training on Wednesday, also at 7pm.

Pete Doolin is co-ordinating that side of things and he can be reached on 07845 599213.

He has also organised a “Rugby Ready” course to be held at the club on Monday, July 13.

The course is aimed at anyone interested in helping out with the coaching and training of youngsters and is a pre-requisite of the Rugby Football Union.

To book a place, contact Doolin.