Speaking ahead of the game, the Bees’ Head of Rugby said; “The squad has grown over the summer, adding to an already strong core of existing players. Following two tough pre-season fixtures and a hard fought internal game, selection this week was a tough assignment. We now have competition for every single position on the pitch and - in most cases - three or four players vying for the shirt.”

Three players – Willie Priestley, Marty Hooker and Wayne Childs will be making their League debuts for the Bees against the opposition from Leicestershire.

Hooker Willie Priestley – latterly of Worcester Academy and signed this week – will start in the front row alongside Pete Koziot and Nick Bingham. The familiar pairing of Matt Spink and Captain Chris Goddard feature in “the engine room”, whilst Jack Linett gets the nod at open side flanker, joining Ash Scriven (blindside) and Steve Leach (no.8) in the back row.

Kiwi Marty Hooker starts at 9 with Jack Jolly at fly half, with debutant Wayne Childs combining with Steve Johns in the centres. There is plenty of pace in the back three, with Chris Fensome and Jimmy Oliver selected on the wings and Ian Briggs at full back.

The three man bench – a new feature for the Bees at this level - is made up of Liam Dunne, Rob Gregg and Scott Harman.

The game against Syston at home kicks off at 3pm this Saturday 5th September, with the Bees Development XV also playing Syston 2nds at Portway.

Ian Matthews concluded; “The players have worked extremely hard over the last two months and are champing at the bit for the first game. The entire performance team and the players understand the challenge ahead of us, however we will tackle this challenge by playing positive rugby. We have a duty to entertain our supporters and we intend to do so this week.”