Falmouth Rugby returns to the Recreation Ground for the first Eagles 1XV game of the 2023-2024 season as they extend a warm welcome to visitors Tavistock with a 3 pm Kick Off in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West League on Sat 2 September.

The Eagles 1XV will be looking for an improvement on last season having finished bottom of the table in 12th. The club is now ready to take on the new campaign after recruiting debutants Tom Townsend, Zane Goodwin, Ollie Kingsbury, and George Curnow, the return to fitness of Seb Firth, and the reassuring presence of grizzled veteran Ashley Searle are also a welcomed bonus.

There is no form guide to report from last season for tomorrow's opponents as Tavistock has been promoted from Counties 2 Devon, winning 20 of their 22 matches, scoring an impressive 934 points, and finishing above some recognisable Falmouth foes in Withycombe and Honiton.

The Eagles 1XV squad for tomorrow. (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

Falmouth's Vice Chairman, James Instance, shared his excitement for the new campaign to get underway. He said: "After the celebrations and events surrounding our Club's 150th Anniversary last season, our ambition is to build on the positive enthusiasm generated and drive this forward as we enter our 151st season."

This season sees an evolved Eagles lineup, with new Club Captain Jon Baglow taking the reigns supported by Vice Captains Alex Bullock and Finn Deavin in the Eagles 1XV.

Tug Wilson continues captaining the 2XV, and Ex Club Skipper, Tom Spiller, will be using all of his 400 Caps playing experience as the director of rugby.

Tom Spiller watching on. (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

Tom commented on how the club has been preparing for the new season. He said: "Pre-season has seen great numbers attending training twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Recently we've clashed in some pre-season friendlies with the might of Canton, a Welsh Touring side.

"They are a level above us in their league structure and were a solid team upfront, providing us with the physicality we needed to learn from and take to the game the following week against Cornish side Veor, who provided a powerful opposition once again. However, on this occasion, we were able to outstretch them with our mobile pack and new signings in the backline which provided some great flowing rugby out wide.

"This performance has given the squad a great boost in the camp ahead of the league games this Saturday. While providing me and the support team of Darren Becconsall and Paul Walker with some tough decisions on who to select for the Eagles 1XV and 2XV teams."

The club has had a postive pre-season. (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

The Eagles 2XV (formally called the One & All) after a successful season last year have formally entered the League Structure for the first time, and are now playing in the Counties 3 Tribute Cornwall League with their first fixture away against Lankelly-Fowey on Saturday (2 September).

Head of communications, Danny Trick, was proud of the club adding another side to the league. He said: "With both Eagles sides fielding 39 players this weekend there is a real buzz around the Club which shows the lad's commitment to league Rugby and our decision to bring both our 1XV and 2XV teams under one Eagles Banner this season.

"We are indeed building a one-club ethos and a solid competitive foundation that will take our club forward this season and into the future."

In terms of this season Tom Spiller has avoided any talk around player targets and dismisses discussions on league positions, he instead seeks to bring the buzz back to enjoying rugby and hopes the two teams can really showcase their talents this season.

Eagles 2XV squad for tomorrow. (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

As well as the two senior men's sides, the club says they are proud to see the Women's XV taking shape.

Women's captain, Lydia Hawkins, spoke about the side's hopes for the future. She said: "Our Women's team is building in numbers each week, with training meetings on Thursdays from 6:45 onwards for a 7 p.m. start.

"We are looking to kick start our inaugural season in the Allianz Inner Warrior Series at home on Sunday 24 Sep against Plymstock Albion Oaks. I would like to ask our membership to spread the message to women in the surrounding areas, that Falmouth Women's XV is a place for all abilities whether you've played before or are simply looking to pick up a ball and give rugby a try. We can't wait to kick off at the mighty Rec and shape the next chapter of Falmouth Rugby." -

This week the club welcomed Lexie Williams to the Rec to train the Women's XV. Falmouth Ruby's chairman, John Bullock, commented on the new addition.

John said: "Lexxie is a bright woman who brings with her a community-level knowledge in Rugby Union coaching, as well as having recently stepped in as head coach with the England Womens Touch Rugby team, leading them to European glory in France. We really hope that the Falmouth Rugby Family makes her feel welcome while she is here at the Club, as she starts out on a journey with the Womans XV."

The Women's squad. (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

The focus is not only on the adults this year, on Sunday (September) "The Youth Academy" is holding a 'Funday' where both Boys and girls aged 6-16 can try rugby, meet the coaching teams, partake in training sessions, play fun games, enjoy Inflatable rides, and replenish at our Clubhouse Bar and Outside BBQ and Sweet Stalls. The day will take place at The Rec from 10 am til 3 pm.

With a World Cup imminent in less than two weeks the club also wanted to remind the community that Falmouth Rugby Clubhouse is a great place to watch the competition.

If you want to become a Falmouth Rugby member you can take advantage of their 'Early Bird' deal running through until September 30.

You can follow the club for updates here.