CANTERBURY'S rugby players report back for training on Monday for the most important season in the club’s history. They are stepping up to London’s top division for the first time and, for many of the city club’s young squad, it is a journey into the unknown.

They take up the challenge under a new captain, hooker Frankie Davis, but without forwards Ken Aseme and Rob Keir and full-back Alex Kealy from the side which took them to last season’s London 2 title.

Back row man Aseme has completed his degree course at UKC and is leaving the area, while Keir is moving to work in Gloucestershire and Kealy is to return to his native Oxford.

The club will welcome back Kiwi front row man Baden Meeuws who returns after a season in Canada.

An early summer signing is lock Dean Tolman, from Charlton Park, who made his county debut this year, while former Glamorgan Wanderers flanker Richie Collins is another who will boost the pack. The club aim to recruit several more top quality players before the league season starts on September 7.

Canterbury are looking for players at all levels and new members will be welcome when fitness training starts at the Body and Mind Health facility, at Canterbury High School Sports Centre, on Monday.

All training sessions after that will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the club headquarters, in Merton Lane North, starting at 7.15pm.

New players can contact club coach Mark Hanslip on 01227 450971 or playing committee chairman Mike Cory on 01303 275307.

Canterbury have arranged two pre-season warm-up games in August, against Maidstone and Sevenoaks.