FALMOUTH Rugby Club have received a huge boost ahead of their new season with the signing of former Cornish Pirates and Redruth flanker Owen Hambly.

The 29 year old, who has also played for Launceston, Mount's Bay and his home town of Truro, has a young family and decided to leave Redruth due to the excessive travelling.

Falmouth coach Graham Whitmore said: "It was a very pleasant surprise to find Owen training with us when I returned from holiday. He's a very versatile player but his best position for the club will be openside flanker."

The Eagles, who finished sixth in the Cornwall/Devon League last season, begin their campaign at home to newly-promoted Topsham, who lost five of their 16 Devon 1 games to finish second behind champions Tamar Saracens.

"We're in a ferociously competitive league, with both new Devon teams thought to be very capable," said Whitmore.

"Our aim is to be as competitive as we can be. The first month of the season is crucial. We only lost two of our 13 league games at home last year, but we do need to address our procedures when we travel away.

"If we can do that, we'll be a side to be reckoned with," he added.

There is plenty of local interest in the league this year. Penryn have been relegated into the division last season, while Lanner, who used Falmouth's pitch for home matches last season, have been promoted from Cornwall 1.

"Penryn and Saltash are sure to be strong, while Honiton and Tavistock had very good finishes at the end of last season. The margins are very fine in this league," said Whitmore, who will coach the side with Pirates player Chris Morgan.

Falmouth have played two pre-season friendlies against Hayle and Truro, but the real business begins at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

They follow that with a trip to Honiton, before entertaining Lanner on September 17.

On September 24 they visit Paignton and their first match in October will be at home to neighbouring rivals Penryn, in what promises to be a fantastic afternoon for local rugby.