RUGBY is ‘24/7’ at Burnley as far as Simon Finnan is concerned.

The senior head coach and chairman of the junior section is looking forward to what new adventures and challenges the season ahead brings.

There is an upbeat mood around the Holden Road club. The first team are preparing to kick off in the newly formed Lancashire County RU League, the junior section is thriving, the club has a Colts Under 18s team for the first time in many years while the ladies move into their second year of RFU league structure.

And that club camaraderie was highlighted at the weekend when a 24-hour touch rugby event - including camping, barbecues and a visit from Sale Sharks players - was held to raise funds for the junior section.

It was a difficult season for the Burnley First XV last season, finishing bottom of North Lancs Cumbria division with just two wins having gained promotion the previous season.

The poor season saw many players not available for one reason or another which had a knock-on effect on the Second and Third teams who had to be ‘raided’ to bolster an understrength first XV.

But Finnan says that has all been put behind them.

This season the club has trimmed down to just two senior senior sides which the coach is hoping will be competitive in their respective leagues. The Second XV have already shown signs of what may lay ahead after an impressive win over Fylde Vandals on Saturday.

“This season is a new start for everyone, we are looking at this new league as a complete new start and aiming to finish as high up the ladder as possible,” said Finnan.

“Recruitment has seen one new player, Pedro Martin from Spain, come in along with a few lads who, due to changes in job, will be available more.

“So hopefully we will have two healthy senior squads to compete in all games if the lads up their fitness and stamina, competing in Lancashire One and the North West Division 4 North.”

Finnan admitted last season was a struggle, both personally as a coach and also as a team who struggled to put out it’s strongest squad throughout the beleaguered campaign.

But the coach says he would not change anything and the tough season was a lesson in experience for all concerned.

“Last year’s losses have been put to bed and this campaign is what I and the players are thinking about,” added Finnan.

“Even though the club struggled last season, I don’t think you should ever say promotion is not a great achievement and you have to challenge yourself at a higher level even if you don’t succeed.”

This season, Burnley will compete in the First Division of the newly formed league to help Lancashire sides cut down on travel. Burnley have back-to-back home games, starting against Thornton Cleveleys on Saturday before hosting Wigan the week after.

The club have traditionally been strong upfront and that is an area it will be looking improve on with former captain Nino Angelone returning to hold training sessions with the forwards.

Regarding the junior section, Finnan says it is growing year-on-year with numerous new players taking part in the summer O2 Touch rugby section.

The club has a girls under 13s team, coached by the experienced Gus Ferguson, while Danny Rowland has joined the coaching staff of the ladies team who kick off their season on Sunday.

“The club is growing from the bottom up which is always good,” added Finnan. “It is in good hands.

“Also, for the first time in many years we are running an under 18s team, so hopefully in 12 months time or so, a batch of new players will feed into the First and Second teams.

“Our Second team had a good win last weekend so that will only add to competition among our senior players at the club.”

For more details about the girls under 13s team, ring Gus Ferguson on 07988 122186. For senior, junior or ladies teams information, contact Simon Finnan on 07988 122186.