The Boars are reining first grade premiers, but now enter the new season under a new coach.

Premiership winning mentor Matt Ryan has insisted on a break and the club is now under the guidance of David Silversides.

Silversides played with the Boars in the past two first grade premiership wins, in addition to playing representative rugby last season for both the South Coast Zone and the Brumbies Provincial team.

For the past three weeks, he has assembled players for some warm-up training in the form of touch football.

But the Boars are now keen to get into the serious stuff and have started full pre-season training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Club president Ken Croaker said he is looking forward to another exciting season of rugby in the Bay.

“The Boars club is very excited about the upcoming season and look forward to defending our first grade premiers’ title, in addition to providing games for both second grade and under-17 players,” he said.

“However, we now need as many players as possible to start turning up to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to prepare properly for the season.

“New players of any level, age or fitness are needed and most welcome.”

Meanwhile, the South Coast Rugby Zone has welcomed new team, the Sapphire Rugby Club, for the new season.

The club is based in the Bega Valley Shire district and will ensure “an even better competition for all to enjoy”, South Coast Rugby spokesperson Peter Ryan said.

The draw for the season is still to be finalised, but matches will start with the annual 15-a-side knock out at Batemans Bay on March 17.

That will be followed by two weekends of trials.

Batemans Bay already has two possible trial matches lined up and these arrangements should be finalised “very soon”.

From there, all teams will participate in the 10-a-side carnival before the season proper gets underway.

“The Boars can always provide a fun atmosphere plus the opportunity to learn the game and develop,” Ryan said.

“Dust off the boots, find the shorts and head down to Hanging Rock Oval on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm.”