Nic Corrigan accepts expectations will be greater for Chester RUFC this season and wants to awaken a club he considers a ‘sleeping giant’.

Corrigan guided them into National League Two North in 2012-13 and the Hare Lane club secured a top-six finish last term.

With that experience behind them and some impressive close-season signings, Chester are fancied to make a stronger challenge this time around.

“I think expectations have changed from last year,” said director of rugby Corrigan.

“The expectation for me is to justify the trust and investment the club has put into us and if we do that then results will take care of themselves.

“We learned last year that every game is not a given and I think the league will be more competitive than ever before.”

“We’ve been a bit of a sleeping giant but I think we’re now at a point where we have enough ducks in a row to be able to launch a campaign that will do the club and the city of Chester proud.”

Chester begin the 2014-15 season at home to Huddersfield on Saturday (3pm) before going to rivals Caldy the following Sunday (3pm).

Corrigan has added new faces to his squad including Luke Wishnowsky (Sale), Matt Walsh (East Grinstead), Matt Bevan (Bala) and Ellesmere College products Ali Miller and James Preston while Will Goodwin returns to Hare Lane from France.

But arguably more important has been the retention of his tried-and-trusted core that includes Tom Gregory, Will Bown, Gavin Woods, Sean Green and Mike Craven.

Corrigan said: “I think we’ve added the character we were looking for and we’ve managed to change without wholesale change

“It was important for us to keep our identity and to continue to develop our young players.

“We have worked really hard to try and find the right person and have forgone a couple of people that didn’t quite fit into what we’re trying to build.”

Ahead of the big kick-off, there have been improvements off the pitch too with the opening of the new Halliwell Jones terrace, refurbished clubhouse and closer links between the senior and junior teams.

Season tickets are available from the club for the 2014-15 campaign for £55, which includes admission to all 15 home games.

For more details call the club on 01244 336017.