LUCTONIANS are looking to make their mark when they return to National League rugby this season.

Following their play-off victory last season the Mortimer Park side returned to the National League Division 2 North, after their relegation the previous season.

Lucs' Head Coach Ryan Watkins has made additions to his side this summer and is confident that they can make their mark.

He said: "We are looking forward to it and we're looking to make a point and show that we have improved since last time we were in this league.

"The squad is stronger and the boys are coming of age.

"It's two years ago now, we are much better prepared and the boys want to make a mark."

Second-row Ben Davies-Moore has joined Luctonians from Championship side Nottingham.

Tight-head prop Ryan Smeilus has also joined the Mortimer Park side from Bridgnorth.

Experienced former Premiership and Moseley scrum half Rob Lewis is also a welcome addition to the Lucs' pack.

Meanwhile, up and coming player Max Hill, brother of England star Ted Hall, joins after graduating from Loughborough University as their Player of the Season last year.

Lucs continued their pre-season preparations on Friday night with a 33-7 win at Bournville and will visit Drybrook next on August 23.

Luctonians are know for their fast style of rugby, but Watkins says they have also been working on their strength this pre-season.

"We have been in training since the start of July so have had a few weeks together," Watkins added.

"Obviously we want to be as fit as we can and use this period to get the boys fit and ready for a big campaign.

"We want to make sure we are organised. We have got a style of play and we want to enhance that.

"We have done running work but have also done a lot of work on the upper bodies.

"It's not just all about running but there is a lot of collisions and contact in rugby so we have to be ready in all parts."

Following their final friendly the first team will have a competitive break ahead of the new campaign starting on September 7 with a trip to Tynedale, the first of five away fixtures in the opening two months.

"Tynedale have been in the league for three or four years so are established in the league," Watkins added.

"We have got a lot of the tougher fixtures and bigger travels at the start of the year.

"We know it's going to be a tough start but think we will start to grow as we go through."