Chester Gladiators will be facing new opposition in 2016 after the make-up of the North West Men’s League for the upcoming season was released.

Having secured promotion last term as Division Four champions , Chester will be lining up in Division Three and will take on Bold Miners, Burtonwood Bridge and the famous Wigan St Judes club for the first time.

Gladiators, whose pre-season preparations began earlier this month, have confirmed plans to field a second team in the NWML this season too.

Read: Chester Gladiators looking to future thanks to fresh support from Ungerer

Chester’s A team has been part of the Entry Division for the past few seasons but will compete in Division Five in 2016.

Working with lead coach Adam Turner and assistant coach Simon Quinn, experienced duo Paul Foster and Kellum Friday have been appointed to coach the A team with assistance from Gareth Hunt.

Foster said: "The club has taken the leap to running two senior teams each week and, with a number of new players joining the squad during pre-season, we’re confident we will be able to field two competitive squads week in, week out.

"It’s another exciting development for the club. We’ve made an excellent start to pre-season and everyone is looking forward to getting the season started.

"We’re actively looking to add to our squad for 2016 and would love to hear from players looking for a new challenge as well as people who are new to the sport."

  • Chester Gladiators want to hear from prospective new junior players for 2016 and will be fielding teams for U7s, U8s, U9s and U11s in the North West Counties League. The club is offering a free taster session for children in Year 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 who would like to give rugby league a go. No previous experience is needed. Send an email to info@chestergladiators.com to find out more or contact the club on Twitter @gladiatorsrl.