PLENTY of enthusiasm has been shown around Falmouth RFC heading into the new season according to coach Graham Whitmore.

The Eagles start their 2015/16 Cornwall/Devon League campaign at home to Tavistock, who were relegated from Western Counties West, on Saturday after a busy summer which has seen new recruits join up at the Recreation Ground.

Among the personnel coming into the club is Cornish Pirates skipper Chris Morgan who has taken on the forwards coaching role vacated by Phil Angove after he moved over to Camborne.

On the playing side of things, hooker Chris Pollard and back row forward Chris McColl while winger Raphael Baragwanarth has also moved over from St Ives.

Prop Brad Cock is another new faces at the Eagles who are also awaiting the return of Ryan Strickland, with the front rower currently on international duties with Canada Under 18s.

With most of last year's playing squad retained alongside the new players, Whitmore said the mood in the camp is positive.

Whitmore said: "Chris Morgan and I have been heartened by the enthusiasm shown at training throughout pre-season.

"We have had two pre-season games against Lanner and Truro and the impressive performance in particular against Truro of the Western Counties league last Saturday has given the squad confidence that we will be competitive this season.

"Our attacking game is developing well and without doubt, when we get it right, we are capable of playing an exciting brand of rugby and the challenge is now to repeat that more consistently."

Last season, Falmouth finished sixth in the league with 15 wins to their name.

This was up from 12 the previous year and from ten in 2012/13.

Despite this upward trend, Whitmore admitted proceedings will be tough in the league over the course of the season.

"There is very little difference between a number of sides in the league," he said.

"This season promises to be fiercely competitive once again, with newly promoted sides Newquay, Plymouth Arguam and Plymstock Albion Oaks.

"St Ives and Tavistock were relegated from Western Counties West and will no doubt be keen for a swift return to that league.

"But we did witness a growing maturity in the squad last year and our supporters were treated to some splendid performances, notably the wins against Withycombe, Hayle, Bude and Paignton, so hopefully that will continue."

Kick-off on Saturday is at 3pm.