SOUTHEND and Westcliff Rugby Clubs both start their National Three London & SE seasons tomorrow.

Westcliff host Hertford at the Gables while Southend head to highly fancied Tonbridge Juddians.

And newly appointed Saxons skipper Marcus Bloomberg is keen to kick off the new campaign in style as Chris Green’s side look to bounce back from relegation.

“Being the competitive person I am, if I wasn’t to say I wanted to win the league this season I would be lying,” said Bloomberg.

“I think we have a good talented squad, we have new players and coaching personnel and I don’t see why we can’t push for promotion to get straight back in National League Two.”

That quest will get underway at Tonbridge this weekend.

But Bloomberg is not too sure what to expect against the Kent club.

“I don’t really know too much about them apart from they’re meant to be the league favourites,” said Bloomberg.

“At the end of the day, though, whoever your first game is against it’s going to be tough because everyone is going to want to start their campaign well.”

Southend have brought in scrum half Ross O’Brien ahead of the game while Samoan back row Potujunior Leavasa will make his competitive debut for the club in a clash which will also see Bloomberg captaining the team.

“I was surprised to be chosen as captain,” said the 30-year-old.

“I wasn’t expecting it but when I was asked by the coaching staff I was honoured to have been chosen by the club.

“It’s something I never thought I’d ever be asked to do but it’s a new challenge and I hope I can make a impact to the squad and lead the team to a successful season.”

Westcliff - who avoided relegation last season when East Grinstead dropped out of the league due to financial difficulties - are also keen to get off to a good start.

But their new director of rugby Rick Compton is expecting a difficult opening few fixtures.

“September will be a testing period as although rather bizarrely we don’t leave the town all month, we face four much fancied sides for the promotion and play-off places,” said Compton.

“This week’s visitors Hertford are always strong and have been there or there about year in year out.

“They are able to recruit in a way that we are not and have strengthened their squad from an already sound footing.

“No doubt they will come intending to get their campaign off to a positive start but we are confident that we can take the game to them reap the rewards and get off to our own flying start.

“Following that we make the not-so-long trip to Warners Bridge for a mouth-watering clash with Southend before hosting Tonbridge Juddians and Westcombe Park, so it’s a very difficult month for us.”

Westcliff have added former Northampton, Newcastle and London Irish player John Rudd to their coaching team and have also completed the signing of Charlie Jobling, a young back row.

Jack Hopkins and Ewan Binneman are both back in contention after recovering from long term injuries but Jack Jones is still sidelined.

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm.