YORK RI RUFC coach Dan Coates is vowing to reward players who turn up for training with games as the club moves forward in Yorkshire Division Four.

While Coates is keen to push for promotion this season, he also says it is important to show loyalty in return for commitment.

Players who are unable to turn up regularly for training sessions will now find it harder to command a regular first team place - especially with squad numbers reaching their highest levels for six years.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's home game against last season's Yorkshire Five champions Stanley Rodillians, Coates said: "We are looking to finish higher up the table than last year - but this season is also about consolidation and we will be looking to reward the players who are committed to training.

"We had a bit of a recruitment drive over the summer, on social media and the internet, so we now have a bigger squad," he explained. "For the first time in six years, we have got a 40 man squad from which to choose two teams.

"At this time of year, you still have people away on weddings, stag-dos, and holidays too - and when the students come back too, we will have plenty of options."

But Coates stressed that the club is still looking for even MORE players and are planning to set up a third team at New Lane in the next few weeks.

The club holds training sessions every Monday and Thursday night at New Lane, starting at 7pm. Anyone interested in joining can call or text Coates on 07746 101984.

York RI opened the new season with a 13-13 draw last weekend against Rotherham Phoenix while tomorrow's opponents Stanley beat Hessle 10-6.

"Judging by the reports, I believe Stanley are going to be a strong outfit," he said. "But games in this division are a lot harder than in Yorkshire 5 so we will be looking to turn them over and, hopefully, our experience of this league should stand us in good stead."

In North One East, Pocklington are preparing for a second local derby in two weeks when they travel to Driffield.

They opened the season with a home win against Malton & Norton last weekend and Driffield were beaten by Morpeth - however the form book is often ripped up when these two East Riding rivals meet.

Pocklington have a couple of players with minor knocks but back row newcomer Owen Jackson, who has national league experience with Sedgley Park, comes into the squad after impressing for the Panthers.

Malton & Norton, meanwhile, host West Hartlepool at The Gannock.

The visitors finished fourth in the North One East table last season and opened the current campaign with a convincing 37-13 victory over Huddersfield YMCA.

York RUFC will be looking to make it two wins out of two when they visit Scarborough. Lee Denham's men made a solid start last weekend when beating Heath 30-5.

Selby host Hullensians and both sides will be looking to build on opening day wins.

Elsewhere, former Pocklington player Rob Webber is currently nursing a broken arm - suffered just half an hour into his debut for Premiership club Sale.