AS THE new National League Two West season looms for Camborne RFC, preparations are at an advanced stage both on and off the field.

Head coach Tom Kessell now takes on a wider brief with overall responsibility for the club’s senior teams.

As a player, Kessell gained high-level experience as a scrum-half with the Cornish Pirates and Northampton Saints as well at Coventry where he also cut his teeth in coaching.

Kessell will be able to draw on the knowledge and experience of a first-class group of coaches comprising Chris Fuca (forwards), Josh Matavesi (defence), Kyle Moyle (attack) and Ben Priddey (strength and conditioning).

Steve Larkins has stood down from his role as Director of Rugby following a successful three-year stint in the job.

Beginning his second stint in the role in the 22/23 season, he led the first XV to promotion and a return to the National Leagues after a long absence.

Mid-table respectability in the first season in National Two was followed by an outstanding 2024/25 campaign that ultimately ended with ‘Town’ as runners-up, being pipped to promotion by Clifton.

For the upcoming campaign, ‘Town’ have retained the majority of last season’s squad as they look to go one better and have added a number of new recruits.

Veteran hooker Priddey continues after scoring a remarkable 45 tries last season.

The homecoming of Fijian international Sam Matavesi to join brother Josh will bolster the Cherry and Whites’ forward pack, and his influence will be considerable. Only last Saturday, Matavesi played his part in Fiji’s impressive victory over Scotland.

Another marquee signing is a proven try scorer in the shape of ex-Cornish Pirate, Robin Wedlake. The strong-running Wedlake will add further potency to an incisive back line that includes former Gloucester full-back Moyle and prolific wings Harry Larkins and Alex Ducker.

Royal Navy’s versatile prop and second row Ben Watson is back with the Cherry and Whites whilst forward prospects Archie Rolls and Oli Williams are also on board.

The club also has an exciting group of young players looking to mount a strong challenge for the second XV in the upcoming Counties Two Cornwall Two campaign.

Ladies rugby continues to grow whilst the ‘age grade’ section is thriving with close to 300 boys and girls enjoying rugby at the club.

Off the field the close season has seen significant progress with various aspects of the Camborne Town Deal-funded ‘Renovating the Recreation Ground’ project.

Works to provide modern compliant changing rooms for both players and officials in addition to facilities for physios and support staff at the Rec will open ahead of the huge local derby clash with Redruth on Saturday, September 13.

Toilet facilities used by supporters have been demolished and replacement modern provision is under construction.

On the adjacent Crane Park, improvements to both the pitch and car park have been completed.

The pitch has been extensively renovated including levelling and reseeding to provide a perfect playing surface, whilst the car park has been resurfaced and lined to accommodate traffic more effectively.

The installation of a sustainable energy system comprising 85 solar panels is now producing electricity from the clubhouse roof.

Stored in batteries housed within the building, the energy generated is set to power newly-installed LED floodlights on the Crane Park pitch.