SOMERSET Rebels’ team manager Garry May is eagerly looking forward to the start of the new season and the challenges that lie ahead as the Rebels look to defend the three titles the club won in 2013.

May, who welcomes six new faces to his squad, says preparation is already under way for the Rebels’ opening fixture against Plymouth on March 28.

He said: “As people often say, it is one thing to win a Championship, but another to defend it, and we have that three times over - but I am really looking forward to the challenge, even more so as I have six ‘new faces’ to work with this year with only Charles Wright returning from our League and Cup winning team of 2013.

“Having new riders in the team also presents its own challenges as even though you tend to get to know riders from travels and matches up and down the country throughout the season, it is not the same as actually working with them, but that is all part and parcel of the team manager’s role and one that I enjoy.

“We have arranged a team-bonding event for the day after our press and practice day which will also give the riders a good opportunity to get to know each other before we get down to the serious business of our opening match against Plymouth the following Friday (28th).”