Both North Ribblesdale and Skipton have new coaches as they set out on the new league season.

Ribblesdale will be hoping that Kiwi Hayden Viles will improve their fortunes, while Skipton have turned to experienced clubman Carl Watts.

Viles has been engaged as player-coach and his skills at scrum half should proved crucial as the club hopes to improve on its disappointing showing in Yorkshire Division One last season.

Viles plays for Kia Tu in New Zealand and was recommended to the Settle club by former Wigan rugby league star Frano Botica.

He will make his league debut at home to ambitious Knottingley on Saturday.

Back in the North Ribblesdale ranks is centre Jonathan Richards who has spent the past three seasons at Skipton.

Richards has been a consistent performer and points scorer for the Reds and was one of their best players last season when they struggled to make an impact in Yorkshire Division Two.

Skipton’s first team manager Tracy Murray said: “We have been lucky to have Jonathan playing for us for the past three seasons.

“We were always aware that he would like to go back to North Ribblesdale one day, and he goes with our best wishes.

”Skipton will be led this season by centre Darren Howson who is in his second spell as captain.

Howson will be hoping that his side isn’t hit by the horrendous injury and unavailability problems that dogged his side last season.

However, the early signs are not good as Charlie Brown broke and ankle in pre-season.

Skipton have young centre Sam Harrison returning after a spell at Wharfedale , and hope to have a versatile front row from New Zealand joining the, in January.

Reid Wilson, who plays for the Silverdale club in New Zealand, will provide the club with a mid-season boost.

“He has commitments until December, but the wheels are in motion for him to be here at the start of the new year,” said Mrs Murray.

The Skipton players have been working hard in pre-season and to boost their fitness they went for a special session at RAF Linton on Ouse.

The players were put through g a gruelling day.

The session was arranged for them by one of their former players James Hutchinson.

The Reds will open their campaign with a visit to relegated Castleford.