READING Raiders Rugby League Club is set to play its first competitive fixtures at the Brighton 9s this Saturday.

Almost 20 years after a rugby league team represented the town, the newly-created side will travel to the south coast as part of the 11-team tournament.

Fourteen players are confirmed for the Raiders so far with Mike Farrow taking up the coaching reins and Ben Carter and Andy Parr taking on joint-captain roles for the first time.

Chairman Andrew Belt said, “Since our first training session in April, the club has been building steadily and with the growth in numbers now attending training, we seem to be in a healthy state to start competing against other clubs.

“I think it will be a steep learning curve for the majority of the squad having not played the sport before, but hopefully our programme of games this season will prepare us well for possible entry into a league next year.”

The Raiders will follow the 9s tournament up with its first 13-a-side game at Swindon St George A the next Saturday (July 2).

If you are interested in playing or supporting us at Brighton or Swindon, please email readingroyalsrlfc@gmail.com.

To keep up to date, follow the club at @ReadingRRLFC on Twitter or like them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ReadingRLFC/