Halstead Templars’ preparations for the forthcoming rugby season will get under way next week with the club’s first pre-season training session being held today.

New players – young or old, experienced or newcomers – will be welcome and training will start at 7pm at the Pit on the rear Courtaulds playing field Players can just turn up or for further information e-mail aeron73@hotmail.com or call or text Steve Arundell on 07910 890686.

Meanwhile, Templars have had planning permission and a grant from Mi-Community for the extension of the changing facilities at the Pavilion at Courtaulds.

It is hoped that the build will start later this month or in early August.

Anyone with skills such as plumbing and carpentry who can offer help on a volunteer basis or who can offer a discount on building materials can contact Aeron Stubbs at aeron73@hotmail.com or on 07947 624305.