AFTER three years' absence, rugby returns to Ambleside this week as a newly-formed team takes to the field for the first time.

Ambleside Centurions, so named because of the town’s historical ties with the nearby Roman settlement and fort, will make its bow when the team takes on Whitehaven 2nd XV at Galava Park on Borrans Road, Ambleside.

The club has already recruited a squad of 25 players and is also busily making preparations off the field by upgrading facilities, while the pitch has been freshly cut and marked for the first time since 2016.

And they are eagerly looking forward to their debut run out at the weekend, having put their new squad through their paces ahead of a series or friendlies to take up the remainder of the campaign, with the club not yet entered into a league.

Kick off on Saturday is 2pm and all support is welcome on what will be a day of celebration.