Falkirk have had a busy preseason and tested themselves against strong opposition. Coach Lear was eager to test his charges and ensure they know the difficulty of this seasons task. Last season was disappointing as Falkirk narrowly missed out on promotion, the goal is to go one better this season. However, this league is tough with many teams evenly matched.

As is the want with club rugby in Scotland the merry go round of players started early with Falkirk on the losing side with players moving on to pastures new, a credit to where Falkirk has come from in the last few years.

Stepping up to premier rugby are Lawrence Miller and Jacob Adamson who have went to Glasgow Hawks, Logan Bonar is now plying his trade at Boroughmuir, Alex Penman has went to Currie. Tom Johnson is now playing at Watsonians, Benji Cottle is seeing the world through rugby and is currently in Holland and Craig Varcoe has moved due to work. We wish them all well at their new clubs and careers.

With Chris Beatham out with a long term back injury and Matt Larson retired through injury the coaches had their work cut out to prepare for the season ahead.

Falkirk have recruited well with a focus on strengthening the team and providing depth to the squad. Liam Brims (10) has joined us from Caithness, David Stoddart (5/8) from Stirling University, Martin Hall (12/15), Stuart Govan (2) both from Stirling County, Andrew Hamilton (12/13) from Hillfoots.

Still to arrive at Sunnyside are two oversees recruits. Matthew Tweddle (4/5) from the Villagers club in South Africa and J P Wagner (6/8) from the Crusaders club South Africa.

Just of the plane and returning from 4 months training and playing in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand is young Falkirk player Lewis Skinner (1/3), also returning is another youngster Connor Adam (10/15) who travelled around America playing rugby.

In the coming weeks we will provide more information on our new recruits and hear about our youngsters experiences abroad.