FAIRFORD RFC are taking a sabbatical from league rugby during the 2015/16 season after a number of key departures/retirements and a change in the management and coaching structure.

But they showed they will be a team to be reckoned with when returning to the league fold in their 53-0 friendly win over South Meads.

The game was part of a sponsors' day at the club when the new kit from long standing backers, the Cullimore Group of companies, was unveiled.

The scoreline was not representative of how hard fought and physical the game was on both sides.

The contest in the forwards was evenly matched throughout with scrums and line-outs as unpredictable and challenging as any Fairford have faced this season.

However Fairford's youth and agility in the backs, many of whom are playing their first season of senior rugby, definitely showed.

Fairford have a new coaching team and a lot of young players but also some familiar faces like Kurt Eyre, who played for the club when it was first founded and has now returned as senior coach.

"I'm really glad to be back with the club after several years," said Eyre. "It's great to see so much motivation in such a young team with support from a great committee and fans.

"I'm looking forward to the future and being a part of building this club up to new heights."

Team captain Ben Goodey added: "I'm very happy to be leading the team out on the pitch for a second season.

"It was brilliant to put on such a show for our sponsors' day and I'm incredibly excited about being part of leading the club into a prosperous future."

Fairford RFC train every Thursday (from 6.30pm) at Coln House School, Fairford.