Diss set for National League bow

Alex Kellsall was a key player in Diss's promotion-winning team last season

Rugby's National League season kicks-off this weekend, with Diss on a level footing with local rivals North Walsham for the first time.

Diss begin the campaign at home to Tring following promotion as champions of London Two North in April.

Walsham, whose captain this season is Gideon Rossouw, who played for Diss last season, are also at home, with Sutton and Epsom the visitors.

The two Norfolk sides meet at Diss in a fortnight (Saturday 19 September).

Diss president David Ford says the whole club is buzzing ahead of the start of the new season.

"It's the highest level we've played in, in any league, in our history," Ford told BBC Radio Norfolk. "We're really looking forward to the challenge.

Despite the loss of Rossouw, Ford says they've managed to keep most of their squad from last season.

"We've had one or two players come in to strengthen the squad, but the team will be essentially the one that's done so well for us over the last two years.

"We believe they've got all the attributes to do well in this league. They've got the benefits of having played together and a really strong coaching staff."

As for the forthcoming meeting with their county rivals, despite North Walsham's higher pedigree, Ford is hopeful that Diss will have the upper hand.

"We've always enjoyed a lot of rivalry with North Walsham over the years," he added. "But this is the first season for some time that we'll be playing them at an equal level in the league.

"We've done quite well in cup games against them but this will be the really big one. We're expecting a huge crowd."