Ilkley’s head of rugby Rhys Morgan has warned his players that there will be no easy games in Yorkshire Division One this season.

They open their campaign against newly-promoted Doncaster Phoenix at Stacks Field on Saturday and it promises to be a tough test.

Morgan said: “Doncaster Phoenix are ambitious and have been busy recruiting. They have a big set of forwards and will certainly be up for the challenge.”

Ilkley finished third last season but Morgan is aware that there are a number of clubs who have promotion ambitions.

“I don’t see anybody running away with this league. It is going to be competitive and I can see sides like York, Old Brodleians, Doncaster Phoenix, and Dinnington doing well.

“We cannot afford to let our standards slip and there are other teams in the division like North Ribblesdale who were never seem able to beat,” Morgan added.

Ilkley’s new Kiwi prop Chad Harris arrived in the country yesterday but is not expected to feature on Saturday as he needs to learn all the line-out drills and plans with forward coach Steve Graham who will make his Ilkley debut against Phoenix.

The crucial stand-off role is being given to the experienced Alastair Monks who has filled the position in Ilkley’s pre-season wins over Otley Saracens and Old Grovians.

“Monko is an experienced player who will adapt to the challenge and do the jobb we require of him.”