South London Storm Rugby League Club start pre-season training on Tuesday at 7.30pm at Streatham-Croydon RFC, Frant Road, Thornton Heath.

The club will again be fielding two teams this summer. The first XIII will compete in the Rugby League Conference (RLC) and the reserve grade team in the London Merit League. Both competitions kick-off on Saturday, May 4.

Coach Graeme Harker said: "The format for the RLC has changed slightly this season. We are again in the Southern Division and will play home and away against Crawley Jets, Kingston Warriors, London Skolars and West London Sharks. In addition we play two cross-conference fixtures against Oxford Cavaliers, giving a total of 10 regular season fixtures."

A new regional four-week play-off series based on divisional league placings will follow, with the top three in each division qualifying for the grand final play-offs and the bottom two clubs in each division competing for the RLC Plate. Both finals are on September 7.

This year's leading RLC teams will be invited to participate in next season's National Division Four competition. This new structure provides RLC clubs with a clear path to the top division.

Storm have also appointed Anthony Lipscombe to the coaching staff. Lipscombe has worked to a high standard in his native New Zealand where he coached leading club Marist-Richmond Brothers Under 21s.

Harker added: "We believe that we could be in for our best ever season. But we're always on the lookout for new talent, so if you're interested in playing rugby league this summer please give me a call on 07818 290 640.''