St Albans Centurions will compete in the East Rugby League Premiership this season after leaving the London Premiership.

The Cents finished bottom of the five-team of top division in the three-tier London League last season but will move across to East League for the 2015 campaign, which will be made up of eight teams.

Cents chairman Brian Parker said “The decision to change leagues was not taken lightly. There are some very good teams in this new league, managed and trained by people who know their business, so we are not expecting an easy ride in our first season.

“We felt we needed a league that offered us more teams and more games, and was made up of clubs like ourselves, an amateur rugby set up that relied on local players. ith a new coach and a new league to challenge us, we are looking forward to the 2015 season with trips to clubs at Hitchin, Bedford and Milton Keynes.”

As well as league games, the East League also offers League Cup and Plate competitions, as well as a nines festival in May.

The Cents’ pre-season registration evening is being held on Wednesday, January 28 at the clubhouse in High Oaks. The event starts at 7pm. Regular and new players and supporters will be able to meet the coaching team and committee members and ask any questions about the club and forthcoming season. Players who sign on for the coming season will also be shown next year’s playing strip plus the training tops and club t-shirt.

Cents’ director of rugby David Stevens said: “Once again we will be running two senior teams. Our first team will be playing in the Premiership and our second, or development team, will be playing in the Merit League. Our season will start at the end of April and run through to September.

“Anyone who fancies having a taste of rugby league, or wants to train or keep fit with the team over the summer months can pop along to this event and will be made most welcome.”

St Albans Centurions website will keep you up to date on the build-up to the 2015 season: http://stalbanscenturions.weebly.com/