Durham Tigers' build up for the 2003 Rugby League Conference season is already well planned.

With the start of the Rugby League Conference season only two months away, Durham Tigers have announced that pre-season training will start on Monday March 10 at the Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle. The evening will start with player registrations at the upstairs lounge bar followed by an initial training session.

"I've spoken with some of the players who were involved in the Tigers' last winter rugby season and they are keen to play in the summer competition," revealed Head Coach Andy Dixon. "I was tremendously impressed by how positive they were. It will be great to have such good, experienced players in the squad."

Training will continue at Maiden Castle on Monday evenings for a month before switching to Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions at the club's Framwellgate School base.

Durham Tigers' committee are meanwhile looking to further develop the club's player base. "We will have an experienced core to build the team around," commented Club Secretary Phil Selby. "But there will also be opportunities for new players to join us and get a game. We are looking to establish links with New College Durham and local sixth forms, and we would also welcome any rugby union players keen to keep playing rugby over the summer."

Alongside the open age side the club is planning to launch up to three junior sides, and is currently working with the council's Active Sports co-ordinator to identify talented youngsters in the Under-13 and Under-11 age groups.

* Anyone interested in playing for Durham Tigers should contact Mark Wightman on 0191 384 7779.