JOE Rowntree has been given the lead role as Ilkley kick off their second season in National League Three North.

The goal-kicking scrum half has been named captain following the departure of Josh Kimber.

The former Harrogate player has lots of experience and will be hoping for a winning start when Billingham visit Stacks Field on Saturday.

Head of rugby Rhys Morgan said: "I believe Joe has the knowledge to make the right calls at the right time.

"I am sure he will do a good job, but I have stressed to him not to allow the captaincy duties to affect his playing. It is too easy to get caught up in the role and first and foremost I want him to focus on his own game."

With a large influx of new players arriving during the summer, the side will have an unfamiliar look when it takes to the field.

Morgan is both excited by the potential the new men bring and cautious about getting them settled into the team framework.

"It is going to take a little time for the new men to get used to our plays and structures.

"It doesn't seem that long ago that we were beating champions Sheffield Tigers in the final game of last season. A lot has changed since then and we need to focus on getting everybody settled into our way of doing things.

"I am sure we now have a stronger squad with competition for places and it is important that we use the confidence we gained from last season to continue the progress we have made over the past five years."

Opponents Billingham won at Stacks Field last season, but Ilkley got their revenge in the return fixture. "They are a big, hard-running side," said Morgan. "It will be a real test and we need to be on our game."